Memorial Day. What does it mean to you? Does it mean the beginning of summer vacation? Does it mean a long weekend?
Even when I grew up all those many years ago, Memorial Day was looked upon as the beginning of summer vacation. It was the first weekend that the lake facilities were officially open. The weekend to get the boat out. Family time. I remember the many aisles of plastic flower arrangements at Wal-mart. I remember older people picking out their arrangements and taking them home. I remember seeing more flags than normal flying that day, but it was not really mentioned why. That was not a time of war. Our heroes had been forgotten.
With all the strife going on right now, we should NOT forget Memorial Day for what it was intended to be. Memorial Day, the day to remember those who have died while protecting our freedoms. The freedom to worship as we choose. The freedom to speak. The freedom to homeschool.
On May 2, 2000, the White House Program for the National Moment of Remembrance was released. Please click over and read the text, but I will insert the most important part below.
Recognizing that Memorial Day is a Federal holiday, all executive departments and agencies, in coordination with the Program and to the extent possible and permitted by law, shall promote and provide resources to support a National Moment of Remembrance, including: Encouraging individual department and agency personnel, and Americans everywhere, to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all. Recognizing, in conjunction with Memorial Day, department and agency personnel whose family members have made the ultimate sacrifice for this Nation.
Please join me at 3:00 pm local time in remembering those who have given their lives so that we may be free!
Thank you to those who have lost loved ones in service to protect our freedoms!
I agree! I think so many people view it as a day off, time for barbeques, etc… I am keenly aware of its significance and want to pass this on to my children. Thanks for this post.
It is sad to see how the true meaning has been forgotten. My neighbor said that she didn’t realize it was a holiday until the afternoon. I’m glad that you are passing the significance along to your children, too. Thanks for stopping by!