Contrary to the rampant consumerism present nowadays in America, Memorial Day is not actually about what “good deals” might be happening at particular stores. Discounts and deals are great, believe me, as a college student I’m all about saving money, but it’s pretty ironic that we take holidays that should remind us of gratitude and thanksgiving and turn them into an excuse to purchase more things for ourselves... Memorial Day was created to remember the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for this country.

“Decoration Day,” as it was originally called, began after the civil war in remembrance and honor of those who had been lost fighting the war. It was celebrated at different times in different regions in whatever way that specific area decided to honor their heroes. It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day was officially declared a federal holiday to be celebrated the last Monday of every May.

Today, when news headlines are consumed with crappy presidential candidates and bathroom controversies, it would seem we have forgotten the very virtues we’ve fought to maintain. Instead of promoting true courage, selflessness and gratitude, we’ve been promoting arrogance, entitlement, and privilege. The call for personal responsibility is waning, and the cry for personal rights is ever expanding.

A country is no better than the citizens that it inhabits.

I do think that we should choose our leaders wisely, regard them highly, and assume responsibility from them. However, there is something to be said about the personal responsibilities of those who make up a country. A country is no better than the citizens that it inhabits. In a democratic nation especially, there should be individual resolve to become a better people. If we truly want America to be great we should be focusing on promoting selfless and humble qualities- a willingness to serve, to look out for others, to be kind, to love those less fortunate than yourself. Virtues like these are what America was founded on, and virtues like these are what lead one to die for her. So, at least for this Memorial Day, think of the sacrifices made for you, focus on serving rather than shining, and most of all, be thankful for the life you’ve been given.

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”

Mark Twain