As a proud army brat I never take militaristic holidays lightly. I have a mom who is a veteran and a dad who is on active duty. I thank God that I do not have to visit a grave in order to see them on Memorial Day, it’s a privilege I truly will never take for granted. However, growing up around other military families I know everyone has not been as fortunate as me. This holiday can be very heavy for many people and on every base I’ve ever lived on Memorial Day was never something taken lightly. Now that I’m in college with people who really have not had a personal connection or experience with military life, it is interesting to hear their opinions about it. Hearing them speak made it obvious that there were some facts that need to be stated and points raised as this holiday is upon us.
1. Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have passed while serving their country.
There is never a bad or wrong time to thank a veteran or someone who is active duty. With all the emotion that surrounds this day it is completely understandable as to why you would want to. However, the people meant to be honored on this day can never be thanked through a phone call or text or through anything really. The magnitude of their sacrifice is entirely too big.
2. Memorial Day isn’t just for humans.
Often we forget about our K-9 friends who have served their countries honorably. Many military dogs have saved countless lives, both civilians and soldiers, been deployed, been wounded or killed in combat, and a few have even received a Purple Heart. So, though it may seem a little silly, try not to forget the men, women, and animals who have defended you and died for your freedom.
3. There is a designated Moment of Silence.
Many people don’t know this, but there is a National Moment of Remembrance that is to be observed at 3:00 p.m. your local time. Take that minute and appreciate all that you have and the brave people who have protected your freedom since the day you were born.
4. There is no wrong way to celebrate.
This three-day weekend is a treat for many people, but for some reason people can be criticized for treating it as such. There is no textbook way to celebrate this holiday and in a way that’s kind of the point. We’re honoring the people who defended America, the land of freedom, with their last breath. This freedom included the right to celebrate this day how you want. If that means a zoo day with the family, a barbecue with friends, or just simply sleeping in on your day off, then so be it. Take that time with family and loved ones and appreciate the people who made it happen.
5. Non-traditional things to do on Memorial Day
If a barbecue or the beach isn’t possible for you on this day then there are still ways for you to celebrate this holiday. If you live near a military base see if they have an on-post cemetery. You can visit and place flag or flowers on grave sites. If you’re not near a base then still go to a local cemetery, often headstones will say if a person died in combat. If you’d rather stay in then you could always go to www.memorialdayfoundation.org where you can learn about the history of Memorial Day, the many different memorials all around America, and even donate to the foundation.
However you choose to observe Memorial Day is up to you, but try and take a little time to think of the fallen and even their families. Freedom is not free by any means, and the military may have lost a soldier, but a family has lost a sister, a dad, a nephew. The privileges we have to thank them for are endless. To quote George S. Patton, a former U.S. Senior Officer, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."
