Pham: Memorial Day is a Day to Appreciate Our Freedom

By Tony Pham

Through the holiday retail sales events and the backyard barb-b-ques, there remains the true meaning of Memorial Day. For so many, this day is personal because of the immense sacrifice that occurred recently or in the past, of a loved one.

For me, every Memorial Day is personal because of the history my family enjoys in this great Nation. 44 years ago, a family exhausted from war and devoid of hope, made their way to the greatest nation the world has known. By the end of April 1975, there would be 58,000 husbands, fathers, uncles and sons who would not come home. An additional 1,200 would be unaccounted for, never to be heard from by their loved ones.

And yet through these soldiers’ immense sacrifice, freedom would arise from the ashes of despair for an entire community with families seeking a second chance at life. Through these veterans’ sacrifice, young children would mature and grow not knowing the true tragedies of what was left behind after communists took control.

It is because of these sacrifices, we must recognize Memorial Day for its intended purpose; to remember those who gave the ultimate gift so others may know freedom. I am a child who was born into war whose family enjoyed that second lease at life. That lease was paid for by 58,000 service members killed in action and 1,200 more still missing.

As I am able to enjoy this day with my family, I still reflect upon the immense sacrifice of those who paid dearly for our freedom. For the families who have lost a loved one while serving our nation, please know that we will not forget their sacrifice.

Tony H. Pham, Esq. is an attorney who lives in Henrico County. His family fled Vietnam in April of 1975. He is married and a father of two children.