As the "big" weekend approaches, I feel strongly that we must all take some time to remember what Memorial Day really means. It isn't just the unofficial kickoff of the summer season. It isn't an excuse to have a BBQ, it isn't just the weekend to open up your Hamptons house. Memorial Day is real. It is a day to reflect, to remember and to thank those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, defending our freedom, our country, our way of life. It is also the day that we should remember those who gave their lives to defend foreign countries, in our honor. If it means that you go to a parade, to show respect for the sacrifice, or you just sit and think about what it means to have a Memorial Day, then it should be done. Veterans Day is to honor those who served, survived and came home. Fourth of July, Independence Day, is the day that we celebrate with wild abandon, just as the founding fathers abandoned their fears, their country, and formed our nation. Memorial Day is for rememberence. Just remember, the ultimate sacrifice and what that means. We need to teach our children that it is important to set aside a day for this, for rememberance. That freedom isn't always a given, that people actually believe that freedom must be defended and people do die for freedom. Our children don't understand our freedom, they take it all in as a given, they don't get that it needs to be defended. It is our right, and a privledge at the same time. (But I will stop here, this rant is for another time.) I rant today, because I see the adds in the newspaper, on the TV, hear them on the radio. Buy this buy this, buy that, cars on sale, clothes on sale, electronics on sale. SALE SALE SALE! Hurry to the store, get the bargain. That is what Memorial Day has become. So, as we approach the extended weekend, go shopping, have that BBQ, enjoy the "party," but reflect that we have a Memorial Day to sit a few minutes and remember that all of it has a price.
(OK, stepping down from my soapbox, enjoy the weekend, hope the weather is great for all of you!)
5 comments:
Good post Miki! I will try to reflect more on what it's really all about this Memorial Day. Sometimes it's easy to forget in our rush rush world and take our freedoms for granted.
I hope you have a great day too. I won't be going to any sales but I sure did get lots of ads in todays paper!
Will you be coming to Blogstock08??
I don't normally shop on holidays. When I was working, a holiday meant spending time at home. Now that I no longer work and am home most of the time, I like it and don't need to go shopping. And with the cost of gas these days, we only do what we have to do as far as using our truck or car to go somewhere.
Miki, my fingers are crossed that you'll be able to come to Blogstock. I'm still trying to work things out so I can go. So far I haven't got much accomplished in that dept. But I'm still hoping and going to try my best!!! It'll be great fun and getting to meet everyone!!
Well said Miki.
Ralph
Great Great writing Miki.
Nothing better than this. Thanks for the reminders and may God bless our servicemen and women.
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