Memorial Day 2023

Town of Durham 2023 Memorial Day Ceremony

May 29, 2023

Remarks by CAPT Lee Alexander, US Navy (Retired)

For those who may not know me, I am a retired US Navy Captain who has lived in Durham for almost 30 years.  As the senior military officer present at this ceremony, I wear this uniform not to bring attention to me. Instead, I wear it on Memorial Day to honor all those who served our Country during peacetime and in war – and especially for those who never made it home. [Recognize others who attend in uniform]

The primary purpose of Memorial Day is to remember “the Fallen.” In particular, to commemorate those who died while serving in our country’s armed forces during wartime or in military conflicts. While it is important to recognize those who have -- or are currently serving in the military -- this is not the primary purpose.  Instead, we grieved when some of our Nation’s soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms.  On Memorial Day it is important that we continue to remember and honor them.

Originally known as “Decoration Day”, Memorial Day began in 1868 in response to the soldiers who died during the American Civil War.  Not to be confused with Veterans Day that occurs on November 11^th, Memorial Day honors those who died while military service – the fallen. In contrast, Veterans Day honors all those who are serving or previously served our country during military conflicts and in peacetime.  

Over 1.3 million American soldiers died during our Nation's wars.  Almost half (655,000 deaths) occurred during the Civil War.   In other wars or conflicts:

     116,000 soldiers died in World War I

     Over 405,000 in World War II

     36,000 deaths occurred during the Korean War

     Over 58,000 died in the Vietnam War.

     And more recently, nearly 7,000 American service members died in Iraq and Afghanistan

On this Memorial Day, we again honor the fallen service members who died for our nation – both for us and for future generations of fellow Americans. Because of their devotion and duty to serve in the military during times of national conflict, it is important that a grateful nation both remembers and honors the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.  They knew the risks were great, but the cause was greater. This is also a day to recognize the veterans who served alongside, and to offer comfort to the Gold Star Families and friends who were left behind.

An important part of this Memorial Day Ceremony is a musical hymn and a short poem.

The “A Hymn to the Fallen” is by the composer John Williams.  It was specifically written for the ending of the 1998 movie “Saving Private Ryan” by Steven Spielberg.

The poem was written by Theodore O’Hara in the mid-1800s. Called “Bivouac of the Dead”, this first stanza is posted over the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.

The poem contains two words that may not be familiar to everyone

     tattoo is when soldiers are called to muster before taps

     bivouac is a military encampment

The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
On Fame's eternal camping-ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And Glory guards with solemn round,
The bivouac of the dead.

To all fallen soldiers, we still remember and honor you.