Memorial Day 2011 affords us the opportunity to pause, appreciate and educate. Today, most Americans will take but a brief pause from their picnics (if any at all) to give thanks to those that have paid the ultimate price not only in defense of our lives- but in defense of our very way of life. We should all appreciate what many have lost so that many, many others may enjoy liberty and success.
Lastly, we must educate others in both what today's holiday is- and what it isn't.
Memorial Day is...for those that have lost their lives in battle- period.
Memorial Day is not...for every veteran- that's what Veteran's Day is.
Memorial Day is not...for today's active duty military- that's what Armed Forces Day is.
Most importantly, though, Memorial Day is not a celebratory holiday. One should never wish others a "Happy Memorial Day!" as some on T.V. today surely will. There should be no Memorial Day cakes or parties, no exchanging of Memorial Day gifts- for its "gifts" have already been given.
Rather, Memorial Day is a solemn holiday. It's a somber, respectful, mournful day where we give thanks for those that have gone before us, and offer our appreciation to those left behind by their having done so.
I offer the above left photo as a reminder of Arlington National Cemetery later this week. After today's ceremonies and wreath-laying and completion of "flags out", thousands of America's heroes will remain at rest and just as deserving of our respect as they are today.
I offer the above right photo as a reminder of how others around the world have benefited from our heroes' sacrifices- and how they appreciate them......
...if Koreans can remember our military's sacrifices forever, shouldn't we?
May you enjoy safety today as you observe the holiday, and may God continue to bless and keep America under His watchful eyes.
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