Honouring Memorial Day

When we were kids, it took 4-EVER to get to winter break, Christmas, Hanukkah or the celebration of choice. As adults, the time flies by and it’s already Memorial Day. Holidays become timestamps of the passing year rather than a moment to honor the intended.

Our lives are busy! Work, work, soccer practice, basketball games, book clubs, children being born, kids graduations, anniversaries, work and more work, hanging out with friends and family, golfing days, bills, birthday parties, trips to the zoo or science fairs, spelling bees, work and more work. Most of these live events are good, some sad, all impactful. It all passes so fast and we often forget to remember the sacrifices made in order to have the lives we do. Clearly, we need to find a balance of looking forward to these weekends and holidays, and honoring the symbolism of them

Memorial Day is a “pausing” in the middle-of-the-year to reflect and remember those individuals who gave their lives for all of us. It is also, a great weekend to set the tone for summer, by resting and being with family and friends.

During this Memorial Day holiday weekend, please take a moment to remember the men and women who have served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is through this holiday and the moment of remembrance that we recommit ourselves to demonstrate that we remain "a grateful nation" to those that have served and sacrificed for our freedoms. We do so, because they have done so.

Enjoy your Memorial Day!

In closing, a recent quote from a friend who served in the US Air Force Special Forces, who wrote, "...best wishes for the Memorial Day Weekend as we honor those that have given their all and died in defense of our Nation/freedom."

Never forget and be well.

Well said! I'm not sure if it's because I was in the military or not, but days like Memorial Day and Veterans Day have more meaning to me now that they did back when it was "just another day off." As a kid it used to be a marker to say "Summer's here!" and we would usually go camping or something, but now it's come to mean much more. Since asmotao gave us a quote I figure I will too, this being from a young Captain I had the distinct honor of serving with in Afghanistan, even though he wasn't from our unit:
"Those that came before us and gave the ultimate sacrifice died knowing that those to come after them would do their damnedest to fill those boots, carry on their legacy, and serve with pride, honor, and commitment to our great nation."

Happy Memorial Day. [Marine]

My XO was killed on Memorial Day 2004. RIP LT Robert Scheetz.

Words can’t express how I feel about our fallen soldiers.

This is the only secular holiday that I spend a great deal of time in reflection.

Happy Memorial Day to all, thank you to those who have served previously, those serving now, and especially those that gave their lives defending our freedom.

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all who serve/served! You deserve far more than just a 'long weekend'!