The meaning behind Memorial Day

– May 31, 2010Posted in: U.S. Army

We live in a country that loves holidays – from Christmas to Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras and Fourth of July, an excuse to celebrate is always a welcome occasion. But, in the midst of the hoopla and festivities, it is sometimes all too easy to forget the true meaning of many holidays.

Memorial Day, in particular, exemplifies a national crisis in party versus purpose. As you prepared to celebrate Memorial Day, what went into your planning? Scheduling a picnic or planning a party? Sleeping in or yard work? Cheerfully celebrating a three-day weekend without giving pause to those whose lives were sacrificed to create this special day of workplace hookie?

Memorial Day calls for a greater tribute, and the day demands more of your time and attention if all it brings to mind are thoughts of the beginning of summer and opening day at the pool.

When I need a reminder of the reason behind these holidays in celebration of men and women who have served, I need look no further than my dad. He is a Vietnam veteran, and throughout my upbringing my parents pointed me in the direction of patriotism and service. My dad hasn’t always enjoyed the privilege of a job where federal holidays are assumed days off of work. Many times on Veterans Day or Memorial Day, I’ve called him and he’s been at work, while I’m slacking off thanks to Uncle Sam’s convenient work schedule. It’s a good reminder that there are people these holidays were meant to honor - and I’m not one of them. My role in this day, and in others like them, is to stop and pay tribute to those who have served, to pause and offer a prayer for those family members left behind, and to be thankful to live in a country where there is a cost for freedom, and men and women willing to pay it.

Memorial Day is, and has always been, about remembering Soldiers who have died in service to our country. Originally began to recognize fallen Union Soldiers it was expanded following World War I. It’s not about patriotism, it’s not a time for fireworks and celebrations; it’s a time of remembrance. It’s a time to pay tribute. And it’s a time to pause and reflect upon the reason behind our country’s greatness.

I feel privileged to have worked for our Army during a time of war. To have gotten to know some amazing men and women who have pledged their lives to this country, knowing what they’re being asked. I’ve goten to know families – mothers and fathers, children and spouses, who have watched their loved on go to war and who never felt the relief of their return. That’s what Memorial Day is meant to honor.

So as you spend your day today – by the pool or the barbeque, the place of worship or the cemetery - I just ask you to pause. Simply stop to think about these men and women, and what this day is truly all about.

How do you spend your Memorial Day? What special tributes make this weekend more than just the start of summer? Let us know in the comments section.

(Photos courtesy of Arlington National Cemetary. See more at www.facebook.com/ArlingtonNationalCemetery)

Victoria Glynn

Without these brave men and women we could not call ourselves American. Today and everday, thank you.
David E Aldridge

That sentance never felt the releaf of thier loved ones coming home really hit home. My son just got back from Iraq the 23rd and we are waiting to see him come home to Calif. We are one of the lucky ones who get there loved one back. So think of that feeling of never getting to see and honor our son is a painful thought. I get it and will do my best to honor all our heros who have served this country. Thank You for your sevice.
Barbara J Dickert

My son David Larsson did 2 tours in Iraq,03 and 05 with the 101st Airborn. I am a blue star mother,I ride with the Patriots Guard here in South Carolina. I will be working today in an office at a hospital. My father was in world war 2 in Italy with the 317th Army Air Corp. If I wasn’t working I would be at The Dorn VA Hospital in columbia SC visiting our Vets today.
KC

I saw this quote and thought it was a good one about Memorial Day, formerly Decoration Day:
“I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.” – Benjamin Harrison.

I feel that although we should pause to remember, we should also celebrate the freedom which we enjoy because of those who gave their sacrifice. I have been in the Army for 6 years, deployed twice. We lost people both deployments. My brother was in Iraq with me too the first time in National Guard and I nearly could have lost him. We should be sad for their loss but if it weren’t for men and women like us who volunteer and are ready to pay that ultimate sacrifice, we wouldn’t have any holidays. We wouldn’t be free to do any of the things we are accustomed to. So we need to remember but we must also never forget and we must honor them by not taking our freedoms for granted.
Annette Newman

Thank you for this tribute to our veterans. I served in the Army 8 years and am a proud veteran. My father served in the Navy during the Korean War; my brother served in the Marines during Vietnam; my daughter served in the Navy and my granddaughter is currently serving in the Army in Korea. I salute all veterans on this day which is reserved to remember and honor them.
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http://U.S.Army Marion Alleman

Well said. There are so many who do just use the day as an excuse to have a party – with no mention as to why the day is considered a Holiday. Please remember all those who have served and are now serving in the Armed Forces. This is thier day. God Bless them all, and God ease the pain of the families and friends of those who gave thier lives defending America.
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Jay

rest in peace my brothers and sisters in arms. you shall never be forgotten
Deborah Powers Holloway

I spend my time remembering the heroes who have served and paid the ultimate costs with their lives in contemplation and prayer. Also, as the mother of a soldier currently deployed I thank GOD for him and for all those who serve and their families. Posting emails and links on Facebook to create awareness so that the true meaning will not be lost on todays generation or those to come. GOD BLESS AMERICA and GOD BLESS THE USA. Thank you all and your families. Please know we remember you today and honor you for your service so we can be free.
Michael J. Gaichas

Thank you. Memorial Day is not about going to the shopping mall, which I think should be closed on a day like Memorial Day. Memorial Day is not about getting drunk and irresponsible. It is not a sin to have your family come over for a barbecue or sit down and watch a Memorial Day weekend sporting event like the Indianapolis 500. Ahead of all that, however, Memorial Day is the day our country sets aside to honor those men and women who gave their lives in giving you and me our freedom. We must take time to fulfill our American obligation to honor those men and women. One thing I did was attend a Catholic Field Mass at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.
John Mentz

I’m a veteran of 23 years in the army, including a tour of Vietnam. My two sons are both veterans. A few years ago I wrote this poem:

Silent Fields

An old man kneels in Silent Fields
Of crosses row on row.
And at the graves of long lost friends
His tears begin to flow

His thoughts fly back now to his youth
And as his sorrows grow,
The friends he faced his battles with
Now fill the graves below.

Those friends have made their final peace
And now they lay at rest
And comfort comes to one old man
Knowing, he did his best.

His nation called when he was young
And asked for all he had.
He stood so tall and felt so proud
Yet now, a little sad.

For when they called he was so young
That little did he know,
About the friends in Silent Fields
Or crosses row on row.

John E. Mentz, 4/12/02
First Sergeant, USAR, Retired
Vietnam 1970-1971
william bennett

Memorial Day is to remind the nation that less than one percent of the population has demonstrated selfless service and commitment to a greater cause. We must never forget the men and women that sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom, as well as all service members who have served and who are currently serving. Having had the privilege of command, you see that our Soldiers on their own free will joined the military during a time of war. Most want a better life for themselves and opportunity knowing that they can pay the ultimate sacrifice for it. My brother and I both currently serve in the Army, and I could not be more proud. Having spent a total of 28 months in Afghanistan, you see the development of leaders and bonds being formed in the most austere conditions. Unless you have been placed in those conditions, the civilian populace could never comprehend it. Memorial Day is not just another excuse to have a BBQ or open the pool. It is a time of reflection and pay tribute to those who safeguard our nation’s most sacred ideals.
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