What does Memorial Day mean to you?
These days in America, that question could be received by many different answers, depending on who you ask.
Before you pass this article by in disgust, let it be known that I’ll first address what Memorial Day seems to mean to more & more millennials, before I delve into the true meaning for the remainder of us.
If you asked a group of one hundred random people, their meaning of Memorial Day, chances are that at least half or possibly more would give explanations that would shock you to your core. If not shock you, they would at least disturb you.
To more & more younger minds these days, Memorial Day means something along these lines…
“It’s a day off from school and work”. “It’s the first day of my summer”. “It’s the day when thirty racks of Bud are buy one get one”.
You may even receive more honorable, yet misguided answers such as these…
“It’s the first time of the year to go camping with my family”, or “It’s the first day of the year to light off fireworks in celebration”.
The question is, celebration of what?
Though all of the above answers are correct in the odd sense that they are factual, they are in no way whatsoever the true meaning of Memorial Day in America.
The true meaning of Memorial Day is one and one only… To remember and to honor every single soul who has sacrificed their life and blood in the honor of protecting and preserving the life, blood & soul of the rest of us.
Yes, Memorial Day is a day off from school & work, so that the minds of all can direct their focus to these brave sacrifices.
Yes, Memorial Day is considered to be the unofficial kick off of summer, because it provides the chance for fresh new cycles of life to remember the previous cycles of life, of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Yes, Memorial Day is a time when thirty racks of Bud are cheaper, because at one faint time in history, an alcoholic toast of Memorial was indulged to honor the brave and the bold. Unfortunately, these days, it’s nothing more than an absolute of greed by alcohol providers to cash in on their consumers.
Yes, Memorial Day is a day to go camping with your family… because it provides family with an opportunity to gather together and remember the sacrifices of those who served to preserve such times.
Yes, Memorial Day is a time to light off fireworks, but not to get drop down drunk and burn down the old sycamore tree in the back yard. It’s to celebrate the fallen heroes who stand eternally to protect us for all times, past, present & future.
Yes, there is no right or wrong answer to how you choose to celebrate Memorial Day in America… as long as you know what you are celebrating and why you are celebrating.
With that being said, I wish to close by saying this. Please take a moment of your time this Memorial Day to shed light onto those who may be confused to the true meaning of Memorial Day.
When you don’t find yourself at school or work this Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember why.
When you’re admiring the fresh new life of this new season, please take a moment to remember the sacrifices of others in the past who helped to provide you with this opportunity to be alive to do so.
If you find yourself celebrating with a drink this Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember why you are doing so.
If you find yourself firing off a bottle rocket or watching your kids write their names in the air with sparklers, please take a moment to remember why.
More importantly, please take more than a moment to explain to your children why you are all partaking in these celebratory events… because Memorial Day is the one and only day of every year that is solely reserved as the day of remembrance of every brave life that was given in sacrifice, to protect the well being of all others.
You are true.
You are brave.
You are honored.
You will forever be remembered.
Happy Memorial Day 2019.
Amen.
Opinions by Ryan A. Murphy
May 26th, 2019
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Here, here! And thank you for swinging by the “Ranch” and for the follow. We 💙visitors and fellow patriots.
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Excellent post. Thank you for the follow and now I’m following you as well.
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Thank you very much John. I’ll also follow you on my Twitter accounts that aren’t currently under follow reach limits.
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Such a well written piece.
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Thank you.
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Well done!!!
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Thank you very much!
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Here in Australia ANZAC Day is when, worldwide, Turkey, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as every community within Australia and New Zealand and wherever Australian forces are currently stationed. The day begins with the Dawn Service – then the March, then the Service of Remembrance . Yes, it is a day off school, but for many, many students, it is not a free day – over the last few years they have gone to the various cemeteries around Australia and placed flags or some other memorial at the graves of Any Australian Soldier. From sunset on the day before the Dawn Service until 30 minutes before the Dawn Service, young people from a number of youth groups take turns at Standing Guard at the Local Memorial all night – then they are relieved by the Armed Forces. In Adelaide, the Governor of the State, leaves Government House and walks to the memorial in the late evening to meet the young people, thank them for their service, and pays his/her own tribute. I have had the pleasure at attending this particular Adelaide service. Generally I attend our own in our little town here. Also, yes there are sales, but the shops may not open until after the conclusion of the major Service of Remembrance in each capital city – generally about noon.
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It’s said that you learn something new every day. Very true. You’ve just provided me with my learning experience for today. I will be sharing this knowledge with fellow Americans. This is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!
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I hope many read what you have written here.
Excellent.
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Thank you very much! I hope that all of your thoughts and words reach true hearts and minds as well!
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Great post! Always remember the fallen. They gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thanks for the follow.
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Thank you very much! My young children attend our local Maine Memorial service every Memorial Day, and I’m so proud that they understand it’s true meaning.
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Let us not forget.
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A lovely post. Our children need to remember. —- Suzanne
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This post is two years old –
https://partneringwitheagles.wordpress.com/2017/05/28/like-those-fleeting-moments-of-sunset-we-remember/
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For me, Memorial Day is a day set aside for reflection, remembering the personal friends I lost in Vietnam, as well as all others who have died in service to our nation. The oft-used phrase, “Happy Memorial Day!” shows a certain ignorance on the part of those who utter it. It’s a time for reflection–NOT happiness.
–Michael Helms
Rifleman, USMC 1967 – 1969
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Thank you so much for your service. My father was stationed in the Philippines between 1967 and 1969. I’ve often thought as well about the phrase Happy Memorial Day. I suppose that some, particularly those who’ve never served, may think of the holiday as a celebration when we can observe every honorable man and woman who sacrificed their life for our freedom and happiness.
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Thank you so much for your post! I also appreciate the follow!
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You’re very welcome, and thank you very much as well!
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Great read!
The incredible value and price of our American freedom is something we as parents should want to share with our children.
I’d love for you to see the piece I wrote yesterday on “Oh Dear Darin’ Millennial”.
Thanks so much for sharing.
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