{"id":13282,"date":"2012-05-25T15:29:57","date_gmt":"2012-05-25T19:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/?p=13282"},"modified":"2022-03-03T13:48:17","modified_gmt":"2022-03-03T18:48:17","slug":"wright-state-army-rotc-commander-optimism-our-greatest-memorial-day-decoration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/2012\/05\/25\/wright-state-army-rotc-commander-optimism-our-greatest-memorial-day-decoration\/","title":{"rendered":"Wright State Army ROTC Commander: Optimism our greatest Memorial Day decoration"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Wright<\/a>

Wright State Army ROTC cadets raise the American flag in observance of Memorial Day, May 25, at Founders’ Fountain on campus.<\/p><\/div>\n

The precursor to Memorial Day, Decoration Day was first observed in the United States on May 30, 1868.<\/p>\n

Following the loss of more than 600,000 American lives during the Civil War, the date was specifically chosen so it would not coincide with a battle won or lost on either side, but would equally honor and celebrate the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.<\/p>\n

Lieutenant Colonel Maria Emery, a professor of military science and the commander of the Army ROTC at Wright State, shared this fact at a May 25 Memorial Day observance flag raising ceremony at Founders\u2019 Fountain. She drew attention to the holiday\u2019s unique American roots, themes and celebrations.<\/p>\n

Emery said the ceremony is helpful for Wright State\u2019s Army cadets for many reasons.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Lieutenant Colonel Maria Emery, a professor of military science and commander of the Army ROTC at Wright State, spoke of Memorial Day’s unique American history, themes and decorations.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI hope they take away the importance of Memorial Day, the mechanics of being involved with a ceremony like this, and it\u2019s important to remember that the cadets that we have volunteered and committed to the Army during a time of war,\u201d said Emery. \u201cTo me that\u2019s very, very impressive, and I think for them to learn that we recognize those that make those kind of sacrifices is really important.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a brief address to the veterans, students, staff and faculty who gathered for the ceremony, Emery spoke about the power of American optimism and decoration.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe American spirit is guided by optimism. It is what has guided us through hard times and it has guided the men and women in uniform who knew that our freedom was worthy of their greatest sacrifice,\u201d said Emery.<\/p>\n

Noting that Americans spent an estimated $6 billion last year to decorate at Christmas, Emery said tongue-in-cheek, that Americans are well-versed decorators in general, but perhaps greatest at decorating on this holiday.<\/p>\n

\u201cA decoration is more than just a ribbon, a flower or a medal. It is our way of gracing someone\u2019s memory and service with honor. On this unique American holiday we mustn\u2019t forget the prices paid for our freedom,\u201d said Emery.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur celebration is what truly makes us American. Decorate with pride, decorate with honor and decorate with Army stories.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t