Happy Memorial Day!
Memorial Day is perhaps the most schizophrenic of our national holidays, in that it has two very opposite meanings. The origins of Memorial Day are in what was first known as Decoration Day, on which the gravesites of Civil War soldiers who gave their all for their respective causes were decorated with flowers, ribbons, and the like. This somber observance of the sacrifice by America's bravest morphed into today's Memorial Day, where we pause to remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation.
At the same time, Memorial Day is known as the celebration marking the unofficial start of summer, especially in states with climates more temperate than that of Florida. This, of course, has much more to do with Memorial Day's location on the calendar than it does with Memorial Day's meaning. Nevertheless, we are left with a holiday with a dual meaning - a somber reflection on the sacrifice of military heroes and a forward look to the joys of summer, and all that entails. No school, barbecues, lazy days at the beach or lake, summer camp, campfires, 'smores, later sunsets, and all the rest.
America is a free country, and therefore, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate any given holiday, including Memorial Day. But since we have a free country in large part due to the sacrifices that we memorialize on this day, perhaps you can all find a moment in your day to reflect upon those American heroes who made those sacrifices. Even if you don't actually observe the ritual of a Decoration Day, at the very least, make time for some somber reflection and appreciation of those who made it all possible!
As the services say, by their mottoes:
US Army: This We'll Defend
US Navy: Semper Fortis (Always Strong)
US Marines: Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)
US Coast Guard: Semper Paratus (Always Ready)
US Air Force: Aut Vincere Aut Mors (Conquer or Die)
US National Guard: Always Ready, Always There
