What comes to mind when you hear “Memorial Day”? A long weekend? Parties? Cookouts? Great sales? The unofficial start of summer?
Whatever Memorial Day brings to mind, how many people remember the real meaning of Memorial Day? The day we honor our fallen heroes from past and present wars.
This year Memorial Day actually falls on Memorial Day; Monday, May 30, 2011. As trivial as that fact may seem; I feel an obligation to mention it, in hopes the actual date will not be forgotten.
Those born after 1971 may not know what I mean when I say that. Until 1971, Memorial Day was always observed on May 30th. The first “official” Memorial Day was May 30, 1868. In 1971, a law was passed, moving Memorial Day to the last Monday in May. This provided people a long three-day weekend.
While I, like others, love the long weekend; at the same time, it really does bother me when dates get moved for the sake of convenience. To me, it’s just another sign that, as a whole, we’ve forgotten what the real meaning is behind the “holiday”.
That’s another thing that bothers me, the word “holiday” in association with Memorial Day. It just seems like an oxymoron to have a “holiday” on a somber day.
Another oxymoron is “Happy Memorial Day”. Happy? Really?
It’s not that I think we should all be sad and wearing black in mourning. I just think we need to remember why we’re able to enjoy the day. If it weren’t for all those who gave their lives for us, we wouldn’t have a Memorial Day.
In conclusion, while you’re “celebrating”, (another word I have trouble associating with Memorial Day), this long weekend, please take time to remember why you’re able to do so.
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