There are so many things given to "your own interpretation" these days.
Let's not put a clear definition on anything.
"I want to do everything my way."
"I want to decide."
It gets a bit tiring, if you know what I mean.
Here you go -
Sometimes, it doesn't matter what you think.
Some matters are not there for your own interpretation.
Some things are actually written, well defined with clarity, for understanding.
By definition,
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.....
#rememberingpeoplewhodiedwhileservinginarmedforces
Not difficult to understand.
So, where do we get the idea that our own 'interpretation' of a clear definition is necessary?
Why should the definition change just because -
"Oh, I've decided it is a celebration. After all, those who died would want us to celebrate. I want everybody to celebrate, celebrate, celebrate."
You do know, don't you - there is a holiday just for that.
It is the 4th of July.
But,
Memorial Day?
The word in the definition is not celebration, it is 'remembering.'
Remembering - to bring to one's mind an awareness of (someone or something that one has seen, known, or experienced in the past.)
For this particular holiday it is remembering those who died while serving in our country's armed forces.
Simple to understand.
And, "Happy Memorial Day" - really?
Someone wrote, "Saying Happy Memorial Day is like saying, congratulations at a funeral."
Some words just don't go together.
If you're thinking, lighten up... you're taking it too seriously,
in life there are things that are meant to be serious.
A respectful observance of Memorial Day is appropriate.
I know it's hard to think of a word to put before Memorial Day.
I know most people aren't trying to be disrespectful or flippant when
they say 'happy.' Please don't misinterpret what I'm saying.
For advertisement purposes, Memorial Day - Remember them, would work or -
Remembering on Memorial Day....
Moving along -
Oh, but I know - media is about commercialism (and so many other things) and we pay great heed to what we watch.
One of my favorites (not) is the "Big Memorial Day Mattress Sale!"
Then there is the, "Celebrate the beginning of summer! Memorial Day!"
Let's make a buck or ten off the remembrance of the dead.
In fact, let's forget all about them and push our own agenda.
After all, who will notice?
Memorial Day.
Ask a veteran.
Ask someone presently serving.
Honoring our veterans, our military men and women, is something we should do every single day.
But, they will be the first to tell you, Memorial Day is not about them.
It is not about thanking them for their service in conjunction with remembering their fallen brothers, sisters.
How do I know this?
Because I hear from them.
I read what they write.
I listen to what they say.
Those are the ones I know.
Again, most veterans and those who are serving now will say, "Memorial Day is not about me."
There is a day set aside for the sole purpose of honoring our veterans.
It is Veteran's Day - A public holiday held on the anniversary of the end of World War I (November 11) to honor US veterans and victims of all wars. (Ok, so Veteran's Day is for veterans and those who gave some or all.)
I'm not saying not to thank a veteran for his/her service, so don't misinterpret what I'm saying.
I'd be the last person to suggest NOT thanking them.
So, thank them - everyday.
Just don't make Memorial Day about them.
It is about their fallen brothers/sisters.
Memorial Day.
Ask a Gold Star mom, or dad.
Ask a Gold Star daughter or son.
Ask a Gold Star husband or wife.
Ask a Gold Star brother or sister.
We live Memorial Day every single day.
We think about our loved ones, our fallen heroes, on a regular basis.
We know the great price they paid.
It never goes unnoticed in our lives.
We know this, only too well.
That is why, to Gold Star families (I speak for Gold Star families I know)
and for those who served beside their now fallen brothers,
it is a shame, a great disservice
when Memorial Day is re-interpreted to meet the 'fluff' of life.
It is easier to avoid the seriousness of the day, to sidetrack taking time to remember, respect and honor those who sacrificed their lives so others are able go to the great mattress sales.
I'm not saying not to have family and friends over.
I'm not saying not to have a barbeque.
I am saying, take the time to consider the thousands who have died in our armed forces
for freedom.
What we desire more than anything, is that our loved ones be remembered.
It is one designated day a year.
Memorial Day.
Remember Caleb.
Remember Noah.
Remember Rob.
Remember Jamie.
Remember Derrick.
Remember Kale.
Remember Andrew.
Remember Bob.
Remember Jack.
Remember Jon.Remember Ryan.
Remember Riley.
Remember Matthew.
Remember Tom.
Remember Kristoffer.
Remember - - -
There are so many.
There are so many.
If I continued to type the names of those I know of, I would be typing for a very long time.
What matters most to us is that you take the time to r-e-m-e-m-b-e-r -
Remember why you can have that barbeque.
Remember why you can water ski and have that family gathering.
Remember why you have the freedom to make choices for your life.Remember why living here in this country is such a blessing, yes - even with all it's flaws.
On this Memorial Day.
Take the time.
Somebody who didn't even know you,
did,
and died.
Take a minute.
