The flags are lined all across the cemetery one by one, a single decoration that represents the history of our nation. Each flag is placed to signify that there lies a fallen hero, someone who gave their life while in service. These flags represent what these service members fought so hard to protect. They worked to protect us, but sadly they lost their life in service.
A day that is meant to remember service members who are gone has now become yet another piece of marketing strategy for sales marketers. Sell, sell sell! Commercials in shades of red, white, and blue call for customers to grab and spend to their hearts’ desire. This is becoming a newfound tradition on memorial day, and it’s not one I feel I can support. Perhaps I’d feel differently if they gave a moment to honor those who have lost their lives, but that doesn’t help sell products.
What is Memorial Day? I’ll tell you now it really has nothing to do with barbecues or sales at your favorite store. Once known as Decoration Day, mourners would come together to place flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers from the Civil War. This was in 1868. Since then this day of remembering includes placing the American Flag in front of the headstones of those who lost their lives and a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. The moment calls for everyone to pause and give a minute of silence in honor of those who lost the lives.
We think of all of you, though in reality we should be thinking of you more than that. As we go through our days, we should be looking around and appreciating what hundreds of million of men and women gave their lives to ensure that we could live with the opportunities we have today. These men and women left this earth too soon, and their sacrifice should never be forgotten.
I truly hope that you all stop at 3 p.m., whether you’re at that barbecue or grabbing that great sale, you give a minute of your life and remember what Memorial Day is really about.
For those families who have lost someone they loved while they were serving our country, our hearts are with you. And to all of the men and women who lost their lives to protect our freedom, we think of you this Memorial Day. Thank you.
