Darby's Rangers

The film Darby's Rangers was on TCM Sunday morning. I don't recall ever seeing that movie before and it's a pretty good war film. James Garner stars as William Darby, the man who started the Army Rangers. In the film he addresses a new lieutenant and explains the mission of the Rangers and that "they should be treated the same as a master craftsman, with honor and dignity". That's quite the compliment to craftsmen and shows the place they once held in society. Coming from a man like Darby, that's really something. On this Memorial Day weekend, the honor, of course, goes to Darby, the Rangers and all the other men and women who've given so much so that we can enjoy our "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

Memorial Day grew from Decoration Day. Decoration Day started shortly after the Civil War as a way to honor the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves. Memorial Day was made an official holiday in 1971 and in 2000 Congress enacted the National Moment of Remembrance. Wherever you are today at three o'clock local time please pause for a minute to remember those who have given their lives and perhaps decorate the grave of a serviceman or woman today as well.