Memorial Day a salute to leadership

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Updated: May 29, 2011 10:44PM

Today is Memorial Day. Prior to 1971, the holiday was known as Decoration Day. The history of this day is interesting given that more than 2,500 years ago in Greece, flowers and garlands decorated the graves of community leaders.

On May 5, 1868, Major General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic established May 30 as the day to decorate the graves of the Civil War soldiers with flowers. Arlington National Cemetery had the first grand scale observance of this day.

Because this is a national legal holiday, many businesses are closed. For those businesses that stay open, their employees may benefit by receiving holiday pay.

So what does this day have to do with business and especially leadership? The short answer is everything.

For without those leaders who gave part or their entire lives in service of this country, would we have the free market systems we currently enjoy? Another aspect of this day is how the military has contributed to developing leaders that later entered private enterprise.

In the June of 1942, a slight of build, somewhat underweight and underage Texan, Audie Murphy, enlisted into the Army after being rejected by the Marines and the Navy. Murphy, who had only an eighth-grade education, quickly established his leadership qualities.

Within a year he was promoted to sergeant and later become the most decorated solider in American history. After leaving the Army as a 2nd lieutenant, Murphy wrote a book, “To Hell and Back,” detailing his WWII experiences. Hollywood then beckoned him after James Cagney had read about his exploits in Life Magazine and he starred in the movie playing himself.

Beyond the private enterprise exploits, this young Texan, who had to put three of his younger siblings into an orphanage as his mother died when he was 16, retrieved them upon his return from WWII. Even when he was in the Army, he sent most of his money back home to help his other brothers and sisters. He also bought a home for his sister and her husband.

Murphy was a leader before he enlisted into the Army. Through his military service, he was able to demonstrate the characteristics embodied by leaders.

• He had a vision

• He exhibited high core values

• He took risks

• He preserved

• He was committed

Many other retired servicemen and women have gone on to establish themselves as business and community leaders. Today is a day to express our collective gratitude to those who have served our country and who continue to protect the USA allowing “We the People” to enjoy economic freedom and the opportunities for prosperity.

P.S. Shout Out – Thanks to our active servicemen and women, to those who died in service of this country, and to those who have already served in our military. Your leadership is so very much appreciated.