Remember the Reason

Memorial Day, for some, is just another holiday weekend; it’s a chance to sleep in late, a reason to host another gathering, throw another party, etc. It’s an extra day off to spend doing the things one wants to do. It’s the sight of family and friends getting together, the sound of the waves as they rush onto the sand, the smell of BBQ wafting through the air, the taste of chilled beverages that bring a brief relief of the heat, and the feel of the breeze playing through one’s hair; it’s all very picturesque of the typical American holiday. But for others, it’s another opportunity to pay respect, to remember our loved ones as we dust away the gathered debris near their headstones. For us, it’s the sight of flags waving in the wind, the sound of a 21-gun salute ringing through the silence, the smell of gun powder that lingers with us for hours, the taste of tears that have crept down to our lips, and the feeling in our chest as our heart aches for those that never came home.

Memorial Day seems to have fallen under the façade of revelry. For every graveside commemoration, there’s an overabundance of parties, and store sales, not to mention the flood of people coming and going through town. Do not be fooled by those who phrase it in a way that make it sound like a lively celebration, because it’s not. It’s not meant to be a festival or a carnival. It’s not meant to be used as an excuse to party. And it’s not meant as an accolade to those currently serving (or have served) in the Armed Forces. Believe me, there are plenty of other holidays for celebrating our brave men and women in uniform, our Veterans, our First Responders, our Healthcare Workers, etc. In fact, these days, there seems to be a holiday for everything and everyone. But Memorial Day is not about celebration, it’s about remembering; remembering that freedom has always come at the highest cost anyone can pay. It’s a time for somber recognition and respect to those that gave all. It’s about paying tribute to the ones who made it possible for us to live everyday in the land of the free. And not just those who gave recently, or those who did it hundreds of years ago, but ALL of them. . .every single one of them.

So, this weekend, while you’re getting some much-needed rest and relaxation, or spending time with your family, remember to take some time from that extra day off and pay homage to the ones who made it all possible. Remember to teach your children about why we have such a day; take them to one of the many commemoration ceremonies, or to the gravesite of a fallen family member or friend. Remember to fly your flag at half-mast. Remember the importance. Remember the people. Remember the reason, the real reason, of Memorial Day.