For many, Memorial Day’s just another long weekend, a picnic, BBQ, or leisure day. They don’t take any time to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. To even reflect on the members of America’s military who gave so much for their Country and the freedoms it offers. That’s a shame!
Memorial Day honors those who have fallen in defense of our country
Since the Revolutionary War, the members of our Armed Forces have served our Country in times of war and peace. Leaving their families behind, they put their lives on the line, facing danger, uncertainty, and separation from their loved ones. Memorial Day has a rich history dating back to the aftermath of the Civil War. Initially called Decoration Day, it was set aside as a day for decorating fallen soldiers’ graves with flowers and flags.
Memorial Day reminds us not to take their sacrifices for granted
Memorial Day is a time of remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Country. We honor their memory and pay tribute to their bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice. Too, it’s a time to remember the sacrifices of the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. They bear the constant pain and loss of someone loved, a spouse, parent, or child.
Some of us appear to take the sacrifices and deaths of our armed forces for granted. This, over time, can have dangerous consequences. We can forget that “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Forget the price paid, in blood, guts, and sacrifice, for our freedoms and opportunities. A price that most of us cannot even imagine. A price we, as a Nation and individuals, should never take it for granted.
Every Day should be Memorial Day!
An Ole Seagull is proud to live in a town like Branson, where they honor Veterans every day of the year. He believes that every day, even just for a moment, should be Memorial Day. As individuals, we should take a moment, in prayer or otherwise, to reflect, remember, and honor those who have paid for the freedoms we enjoy. By doing so, we recognize the price, honor those who paid it, and don’t take it for granted.
Our Flag “flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it!”
Every time the Ole Seagull sees our flag, it reminds him of the following quote, “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it,” attributed to “Anonymous” and sums up the genuine spirit of Memorial Day for which we, as a Nation and individuals, should be eternally grateful.
