"I'm 82 years old, a veteran of World War II, and Korea. I have worn the uniform of three of our armed services, and my retirement certificate from one of them thanks me for 'more than 42 years of faithful service.' (only one-sixth of it active duty, thank God) Old timers would say I have 'been up the river and over the mountain.' I've seen enough good and evil in my long life that it is hard to move me any more. I have watched your Memorial Day Tribute for years I cannot remember, but never have I been moved as I was this year; especially by the dramatizations of the Korean war experience, and the the experience of the war widows. You are to be congratulated on this program. It is something every American should see. It might quiet some of our cynics."
LCDR Roy F. Wilson, USCGR-Ret
MEANING & HISTORY
Stories from Previous Conflicts
For each of America’s conflicts there are countless stories of the soldiers who braved difficult and often terrifying circumstances as a part of the war effort. Each year on the “National Memorial Day Concert,” we share a few of those stories so we can join together in remembering the hardships, grieving for the fallen and honoring those who sacrificed their lives.
Click on a conflict to the left to read about heroic soldiers or their family members, as featured on a past “National Memorial Day Concert.”
