Many people recognize Memorial Day as the unofficial start to summer. My academic planner even lists Memorial Day and other holidays like it under the title “Reasons to Party in 2016-17.” Unfortunately, many people would also agree that the extra day off on Monday is a reason to spend the weekend “celebrating” with parties and excessive drinking. But is that what this holiday is meant for? Is it nothing but a three day weekend?
What was once called Decoration Day and is now known as Memorial day wasn’t intended to give everyone the opportunity to have their first BBQ for the summer. It is a federal holiday that is dedicated to honoring those who died during their service for our country. Memorial Day is always the last Monday in the month of May. Many cities and towns host parades featuring our current servicemen and veterans in honor of those we have lost in the line of duty.
Memorial Day isn’t to be confused with Veterans’ Day. While Memorial Day honors those we have lost while in the service, Veterans’ Day honors all who have served in the military for the United States, past and present. Not many people know that there is a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. local time for those we have lost in service to our country. And, of course, the flag will be flown at half-staff.
Regardless of the importance of this holiday, and the fact that the government deems it important enough to make it a federal holiday, our mailboxes still get filled with Memorial Day sale flyers and everyone suddenly decides it is a good day to celebrate. Celebrate what? Are they celebrating the loss of countless men and women for the sake of our country? It sounds so wrong when I point it out now, but it is what many citizens do. With the aid of the media, we have come to forget why Memorial Day has been instituted in the first place. What was once a somber holiday dedicated to remembrance is now a time to buy cars at discounted prices and take a trip to the beach.
Make sure that this Memorial Day and those in the years to come are considered more than just another excuse to drink or throw a backyard BBQ. It is to honor those we have lost in order to keep the United States the land of the free and home of the brave. We wouldn’t be able to even have the opportunity this weekend to celebrate anything if it wasn’t for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Don’t forget.
“We are here today to pay our respects to those dedicated, brave and selfless individuals who gave their lives in fighting for our country,” ASUCD President Mariah Watson, in her speech dedicated to Memorial Day.
