Today is Memorial Day, a national holiday in the U.S.
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What Memorial Day means now.
To many–if not most–of us, Memorial Day is a day off from work. It’s big savings during special sales. It’s annoyance at not getting our mail. That’s what Memorial Day is.
What Memorial Day should mean.
This post is not about whether or not we support the actions of our military, nor is it about whether or not we agree with the actions of the president. It’s about remembering those among us who felt a call to duty, who volunteered to serve–and who made the ultimate sacrifice.
That’s what Memorial Day is all about, Charlie Brown.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t enjoy a backyard BBQ with your friends and family today, or you should dwell all day on their loss. If those whose memory we honor today are anything like the vets I know, that’s actually the last thing they’d want. Let me just suggest that, as we enjoy our day off, we take a few moments to think of those whose service and sacrifice over the years have made it possible.
Back tomorrow.
Photo by Rob West.
We have our Remembrance Day in Canada, and it’s on November 11th.
One thing I discovered a few years ago was that on Remembrance Day, at the National War Museum in Ottawa, they have actual veterans acting as tour guides, some who had actually been to the exhibits they’re standing next to.
You listen to their stories and you’re totally blown away. nd you remember they were 18-20 years old at the time.
I always make a point of shaking their hand and thanking them for fighting for our freedom. I think they appreciate it.
I wonder if today’s kids with their cell phones and I-pods coudl storm the beaches of Normandy?
Today, at Meijers, I overheard this old WWII vet talking to another store patron. He told the other guy not to smoke, because he did and got cancer. He wrote everything down on a notepad because he had his vocal cords removed.
I don’t know why, but this just touched me. This old WWII vet.
I also remember, during my census job, I came across a vet who wanted to tell me all of his stories and show me all his photos. It was great listening to him.
It’s important to hear all the old stories and pass them down. In memorial.
Thanks for your post, Matt.
@Ellen I can listen to the stories of WWII veterans for hours and just be in awe. It’s almost impossible to imagine what those guys went through.