Editorial: A time for quiet reflection

The 20th century came to be known as the "American Century" in large measure because of the United States' emergence as an international power. One reason for the U.S. dominance obviously was because of its homegrown technological innovation and economic might. Yet another reason for the nation's pre-eminence was because of the sacrifices it was willing to make to protect freedom here at home and around the globe. The 19th century in the United States was marked by its isolation, but the 20th century witnessed a nation with a profoundly different vision.

Increasingly, though, as the last century ended and we entered a new millennium, it seems that too many Americans have either forgotten -- or no longer care -- that so many men and women of our armed forces paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect this nation and our freedoms. Indeed, Memorial Day for many Americans has lost its meaning, instead becoming just another three-day weekend, one full of picnics or shopping at department stores.

Still, there is hope that this apathy may be changing, even if it is gradual. The bestselling book by Tom Brokaw, "The Greatest Generation," and the hugely popular movie, "Saving Private Ryan," rekindled interest in the valor displayed by the men who risked their lives during World War II. For that matter, this new awareness has spawned a better appreciation of those who served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Parents and grandparents more frequently today are asked what living in those trying times was like, fostering a better understanding and a better appreciation of the hardships that they had to endure to preserve the freedoms that we now too often take for granted.

Memorial Day services will be held in the valley to honor those Americans who gave their lives for this nation. For those who are able to, visiting the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City would be a fitting way to honor those men and women who so admirably served our nation. Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, but it also should be a day full of optimism, that there are men and women who were willing to risk their lives so that others could still enjoy the liberties and rights that make this nation truly great.

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