Today’s Great Bend Tribune was printed on Memorial Day so it could arrive in your mailbox on Tuesday, with the online version showing up somewhat earlier (we hope). Over the weekend, we listened to some political candidates, visited a few community events and celebrated the “unofficial start of summer” by enjoying some barbecue and spending time with family.

Memorial Day began in the aftermath of the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” which was a time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with spring flowers. In 1868, May 30 became the official Decoration Day. It expanded after World War I to commemorate American service members who died in all wars. And in 1971 Congress passed an act moving Memorial Day, now a federal holiday, to the last Monday in May.

Our Memorial Day, as it is observed nowadays, has a dual role that contrasts a joyous celebration of America and its favorite pastimes with a solemn reminder that many of our ancestors gave their lives in service to our country. And not just our ancestors – those sacrifices continue today.

To date, since the start of the war with Iran on Feb. 28, 13 American service members have died. They are:

• Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida;
• Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska;
• Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota;
• Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa;
• Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa;
• Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California;
• Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky;
• Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama;
• Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington;
• Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky;
• Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana;
• Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio;
• Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.

(Source: CBS News)

Recently, the American Legion reminded us of the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” which begins with a bit of stark contrast:

“In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row”

And then, “The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.”

Beauty is juxtaposed with the devastation of war.

With American lives at risk once again, the solemn side of Memorial Day may become more prominent for some families. For those enjoying a vacation or a bit of leisure, it is worth a moment of reflection.

Susan Thacker is managing editor of the Great Bend Tribune.