I don’t find anything particularly “happy” about Memorial Day itself. Sure, it’s a great weekend to spend kicking off summer with friends and family, but I always end up thinking about those we’ve lost in military service.
Almost every year I remind others that Memorial Day traces its roots to the post Civil War period to help heal after American fought American. Originally known as Decoration Day, Veterans chose 30 May because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle.
Over time the holiday transformed to the last Monday in May and changed names, but it wasn’t recognized as an official national holiday until 1967, the year I was born. While the implementation of the holiday has changed somewhat as well, its intent has not; it’s about the fallen.
Not everyone does in battle and wounds may takes years to kill. Please remember, earlier generations sacrificed in other ways, so don’t discount someone’s death while in uniform just because they weren’t charging a machine gun nest. They did their part, and it’s up to us to toast them and honor their death.
Take some time today and consider what you and yours have done for America.