What Memorial Day Is Really All About | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What Memorial Day Is Really All About

It's more than a three-day weekend.

4
What Memorial Day Is Really All About
Chicago Tribune

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and with it comes the unofficial start of summer! With the onset of summer so near, and with temperatures rising exponentially, Memorial Day weekend has become three jam-packed days of barbeques and beach getaways.

While I am not denouncing this reality, there has been an increased lack of awareness for the purpose of Memorial Day itself and the respect and graciousness we should all have for all those that served our country. While stores across the country advertise Memorial Day Sales, there are families mourning the loss of a loved one who died protecting the liberties and freedoms we exercise every day.

So while you enjoy a weekend full of outdoor activities or family vacations, take time to remember and mourn those that made it possible. Think of the families that don’t get to celebrate as we so commonly do, but are forced to cope with an absence in their family that can never be replaced. If anything, hug your family a little tighter, and appreciate that you do not have to grieve such a loss.

We cannot thank those enough who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. The debt we owe our servicemen is far greater than one we could ever truly grasp, but taking some time to learn and remember their sacrifices will keep their memories alive.

Even though Memorial Day weekend is a great time to relax and spend quality time with family and friends, it should also be filled with an acknowledgement and tribute to our servicemen who have given their lives for this country and our most fundamental freedoms. While you enjoy the warm weather and the great company, think about the many heroes that have selflessly given their own lives for our own.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

6502
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774886
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1932
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments