Happy Memorial Day/ Memorial Day weekend. I have a significant amount of veterans in my family, and my sister is an Air Force wife, so here are just a couple things to think about when you’re having a barbecue or reveling in a day off from work (I apologize ahead of time for the sassy tone, this holiday just gets me pretty riled up).
1. This day is not for you.
Memorial day is not for you. It is a day to remember soldiers and victims of war who have died for this country. That means we’re remembering those who died in all our wars, those who lost their lives in catastrophes like 9/11 and Pear Harbor, and honoring those who did their best to limit the casualties of those events. So, sure, have a cook out in their memory if that’s what you want to do, but don't act like Monday is just about skipping school and work and getting drunk. It’s really, really not.
2. There are homeless veterans everywhere.
Veterans— the people who really understand Memorial Day— are living in poverty while you cook copious amounts of food and blare Rihanna. Especially in California, a HUGE percentage of homeless people are veterans, who suffer from mental and physical scars collected while fighting for our country that make them unable to find jobs. So just think about that.
3. We’re setting an example.
If our veterans are treated this poorly, why should anyone want to protect this country? If things keep going this way, it’s possible that enlistment will decrease and we may be unprepared for a crisis when it happens, and if that happens, our only strategy will have to be conscription or lose, and in this scenario, “lose” means “die.”
I know this list seems short, given the level of anger I am clearly exhibiting, and the level of injustice our veterans must face every day. That is only because maybe, if it won’t take too much time out of their day, people might actually stop and listen. The lack of awareness and lack of compassion for the men and women who served our country is astounding, and honestly, quite offensive. And yes, I do realize that there will be memorials held across the country this weekend, flags placed on gravestones, and tears shed, and that a lot of people do realize this holiday’s significance, but far more people do not, or if they do, do not seem to care.
So, to finish things off, I really do hope that you enjoy your memorial day, but I also hope you take a moment to appreciate the fact that the only reason you can enjoy this day is because of all the people who risked their lives to make it possible. This should be a day of compassion, not a day for you.
Thank you to all our veterans, living and not, and have a great Memorial Day.
