Please Remember: Memorial Day is so much more than a kick-off to Summer
My friend Tish Lloyd in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina reminds us of the origin of Memorial Day. It began as Decoration Day. A day of rememberance for those who have died in service to our Country.
As you are spending time with your family and friends during this holiday weekend, please remember to take a moment of silence to remember those who fight for our freedoms!
Memorial Day is so much more than a kick-off to Summer
Well, it's here again. That un-official Summer kick-off, Memorial Day. It's a 3-day weekend for many, a time of cook-outs, trips to the beach, lake or mountains, family get-togethers. Here in Wrightsville Beach NC we'll be celebrating all weekend with family and friends. And welcoming all the visitors who make the trek to our beaches.
I don't begrudge anyone their celebration of Memorial Day. But I wonder how many have forgotten the true meaning of the holiday? Have we forgotten that Memorial Day is not just a day off of work or school -- Not just a chance to welcome Summer?
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our Country. It began in 1868 as a way to commemorate the sacrifices of those who died in the Civil War. Later, after World War I, it became a day to honor those who paid the ultimate price in all of America's wars. In 1971 it was declared a National Holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday in May.
I remember Memorial Day parades in my hometown. We'd stand and watch as survivors of America's wars marched in honor of those who couldn't. The men would remove their hats, we would all hold our hands over our hearts; we would stand in silence remembering those who didn't come home. It was a day of reverence, a day to show respect. A stark reminder of what it costs to live free.
Somewhere along the way, many think when the government made it a 3-day Federal Holiday, we lost the true meaning of the day. We got caught up in celebrating the beginning of Summer and forgot to remember those who paid with their lives so we could enjoy all the freedoms we hold so dear.
Go ahead, enjoy your cook-out, trip to the beach or just getting to sleep in. Welcoming Summer is a good thing! But somewhere in your day, take a few moments to remember those who gave their lives for all of us. Remember those who went off to war and didn't come home; or those who came home, only to pay the ultimate price at a later date. Freedom isn't free and those who have paid our debt deserve to be remembered.
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Tish Lloyd, REALTOR®
Broker
NC Real Estate Lic. 269076
Prudential Laney Real Estate
527 Causeway Drive
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
910.547.1446Are you following me?
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