Don't forget the true meaning of Memorial Day!

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Space Center

Don't forget the true meaning of Memorial Day!

 

 

It’s not just another day off from work, it means so much more. Memorial Day is a day to observe and commiserate the people who have died in our Nation’s service. These men and women have sacrificed it all to protect our country and made the Ultimate sacrifice.  

 

 

 

Through the years Memorial Day has somewhat diminished over the years. Graves of soldiers have become neglected and bare.  Instead of just eating hot dogs and going to the beach or pool, why not take some time to honor those who have sacrificed so much for us?

 

A great way to honor and remember those brave soldiers who have died protecting our country is to visit cemeteries and place flags on the graves of those fallen soldiers. Even if you don’t particularly know the soldier you can always pay your respect to them.

 

Another way to celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day is to visit memorials built to honor fallen soldiers. In Cy Champ Park here in Houston there is a lovely Memorial dedicated to those from Texas who have given their lives defending the United States of America in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation New Dawn) and in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom).

 

On Memorial Day be sure to fly your US Flag at half staff until noon. Also, participate in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm to pause and think what the true meaning of the holiday is all about. The idea for the Moment was born when children touring the Nation’s Capital were asked by the Commission’s Director what Memorial Day means. They responded, “That’s the day the pool opens.”

 

Let’s not let a day when we are to honor the valor of so many soldiers, turn into a holiday with no meaning. Pay your respects and dig deep and think about what the day truly means. I you have children be sure to reiterate what the day means and let them be a part of your celebration.

 

Now this being said, I am never against having fun and enjoying a day of relaxation but do make time to pay your respect to those brave women and men that risked it all to protect our country.

Comments (10)

Cece Blase
Paragon Real Estate Group - San Francisco, CA

Thank you for the gentle reminder Marilyn.  

May 18, 2015 04:14 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I will be participating in Patriot's Day in my town and taking flowers to the veteran's wall.  Not all veterans on that wall died, but some have.  One young woman just a few years ago and my Uncle Johnny back in 1968. Memorial Day has never been about car sales, white sales or picnics or pool openings for my family. It never will be.

May 18, 2015 07:46 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Thank you, Marilyn.  So many people are obsessed with travelling, barbecues, etc. that they forget who and what we are taking the time off to remember.

May 18, 2015 01:19 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Marilyn Wier - so true! We forget the real meaning behind this day and make it as an unofficial start of summer. We should remember the real meaning of this day.

May 18, 2015 03:16 PM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR® - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

What a great reminder that Memorial Day is not called Picnic Day -- it is a day to remember all those brave men and women who died for their country.  Nice post.

May 18, 2015 08:21 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Time off from the work force becomes just that. The why goes missing often.

May 18, 2015 11:43 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

What a great reminder!  We owe so much to those who chose to defend our country and pay the ultimate price for their service.

May 19, 2015 12:25 AM
Marilyn Wier
RE/MAX Space Center - League City, TX
Your League City & Surrounding Areas REALTOR!

Thank you all for your comments. It is all too often we forget why we are actually celebrating. It's nice to make sure our children and grandchildren understand the true meaning of this memorable day. I always get a chill when I drive through town and see all the American Flags being raised and set out for Memorial Day but then I think isn't this the way it should be ALL the time?? We need more than a day to remember and pay tribute to the many lives who protect us each and every day. Thanks again for the comments and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

May 19, 2015 01:12 AM
Greg Miller
Ruoff Home Mortgage - Sarasota, FL
Florida Home Loans - Conventional,FHA,USDA,VA

Thank you so much for the reminder to everyone.

May 19, 2015 03:55 AM
Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

Celebrate to remember the ones who we honor.  Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend.

May 23, 2015 01:22 PM