As Memorial Day approaches, it is time to pause and remember the true meaning of this holiday.
Regardless of the exact date or location of its origin (a subject of great debate among certain scholars), Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was originally known, was borne out of the Civil War with the desire to honor the many soldiers who had given their lives in battle.
Memorial Day represents a day of national awareness and reverence in honor or those who died while defending our country and its values. In recent years, this acknowledgement of those who serve, or have served has been expanded to include all our first responders.
The importance of remembering all those who have gone before us could not be more important than it is today. With the deep political and philosophical divisions facing our country, recognizing those who serve remains a “constant” on which we can all agree. All Americans can come together to recognize how fortunate we are to live in freedom. This freedom is the direct result of those who have come before us and those that currently serve protecting all that is precious to us.
In conjunction with the Memorial Day celebration, the National Moment of Remembrance, is observed at 3 p.m. This memorial observance represents a simple and unifying way to commemorate our history and honor the struggle to protect our freedom. Take a moment at 3p.m. tomorrow to reflect on the many blessings Americans enjoy. Display a flag, attend a Veteran’s celebration, decorate a loved one’s resting place and thank our veterans and first responders for allowing us to enjoy the freedom we have today.
To all who served, and those currently serving – Thank You!!