Memorial Day

Casualty figures from the American Revolution to the Gulf War, 1775 to 1991, include 650,954 battle deaths, 13,853 other deaths (in-theater), and 229,661 other deaths in service (non-theater). These are not figures we like to remember, but by remembering such losses it is hoped we will use better judgment in the future.

The tradition of Memorial Day began more than 100 years ago. On May 5, 1868, General John Logan proclaimed this day a holiday through his General Order No. 11.

On this day, we need to remember all those who have sacrificed their lives so we could live ours. Each one of those 894,000 plus had family and friends and a name. One such, Pvt. Wesley Kelby who was lost in Vietnam, was a close friend. When we add names, the numbers become more significant. Let's add, on this Memorial Day, the more than 655 service members lost in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom--people such as CWO Stephen Wells and CWO Matthew Laskowski. You do not have to believe in war to honor our dead. Memorial Day is a time for our nation to mourn our dead and to honor their sacrifice by trying to bring peace and safety to our lives.

My hope for this day would be "Peace on Earth; good will toward men" When I was young, this seemed realistic, but as an adult it seems naive. Men conflict with men, and war is the result, so we will mourn our dead again and again, year after year. At the least, I would hope that the present conflict ends soon.

ROAL and ROA understand and appreciate the sacrifices these men and women have made. We work daily to ensure their safety and we are dedicated to ensure adequate national security. We praise them not just in death but in life as well.

Membership in ROAL

Even after 14 years, questions are still raised about male membership in ROAL. Articles still appear in print that refer to ROAL members as "spouses" of ROA members, implying that only spouses may become members. As long as questions arise and misconceptions are taken as true, ROAL will continue to falter in its quest to be an organization of FAMILY members. Below are the requirements for membership in ROAL, as stated in the bylaws of the organization. Note that no mention is made of gender, and nowhere does the term spouse appear.

Any person who is related by blood, adoption or marriage to an Active Member of ROA in good standing or a late Active Member of ROA in good standing or any person holding, or who formerly held a commission in any of the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces of the United States, whose separation from the service occurred under honorable circumstances, shall be eligible for Active Membership.

If you are an ROA member and if you have a family member who has supported your military life and your work in ROA, he or she is a most valued prospect for ROAL. National dues are $15. Department and club dues vary. Please contact the ROAL headquarters secretary, Tracey Coleman, at ROA Headquarters, One Constitution Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002, for further information. Or log on to the ROA Web site, click on ROAL on the top banner and follow the links to the member ship blank. ROAL and ROA will thank you for your support in keeping this organization viable and active.

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group