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On Memorial Day. . .

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

Once again, I head to the dictionary. Today that leads to the definition of memorial. While not unknown to me, its meaning as something, especially a structure, to remind people of a person or event may be a bit dull to some, the moments surrounding the word can provide much inspiration to others. When used as a term, like "Memorial Day" I find the significance may become particularly ponderworthy.

 

I have long appreciated quotes as they can express much in the way words come together and connect with us. However, we may not feel the same way about any or every message. Interpretations can and do vary.

 

I love America

more than any other country in this world,

and, exactly for this reason,

I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.

attributed to James Baldwin

 

 

Searching online with "Memorial Day" as well as a few other keywords, I found this definition plus the quote shared in this post. I believe such discoveries can be beneficial and time well-spent. Especially on days like Memorial Day. In short - love, kindness and respect can prevail. When genuine, these remain important.

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Comments(18)

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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Michael. James Baldwin said it well. As one who lost a classmate in Viet Nam during my junior year in high school, could overlook those who disrespected the cause but was quick to defend those who were disrespected upon their return. Sometimes people need a little physical pain as a reminder of making their poor choice. 

May 26, 2025 05:03 AM
Michael Jacobs

Wayne Martin - war is complicated.  Many sorts of feelings can bring thoughts together as well as push them apart.  Yes, it's complicated.  

May 26, 2025 08:41 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Michael... I totally agree with James Baldwin. The only people who have no right to criticize America are those who are not Americans.

May 26, 2025 05:19 AM
Michael Jacobs

Nina Hollander, Broker - although I was familiar with James Baldwin I didn't recognize the quote when it showed up.   I was also aware of the definition of memorial but the combination of many words of wisdom put an added perspective to the meaning.  

May 26, 2025 08:44 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Michael Jacobs hi Michael... I was familiar with the quote, but not with James Baldwin.

May 26, 2025 08:46 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Your ponderings always intrigue me, and I hope that you will have a wonderful Memorial Day!

May 26, 2025 06:12 AM
Michael Jacobs

Brian England - thank you.  

May 26, 2025 08:45 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I find this to be the most American of Holidays. This is the holiday that honors sacrifice. The real holiday of heroes. 

May 26, 2025 07:31 AM
Michael Jacobs

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty - I can see that.  

May 26, 2025 08:46 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Monday morning, Michael.

Have a very meaningful Memorial Day and an outstanding week.

May 26, 2025 07:34 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - I have long enjoyed quotes and use them frequently in everyday thought and speech.  

May 26, 2025 08:47 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

I really appreciate your thoughtful reflections, Michael Jacobs. It's a beautiful reminder that the meaning behind Memorial Day goes far beyond the surface. Thanks for sharing such inspiring insights; it’s a day to honor with love, kindness, and respect. 🇺🇸

May 26, 2025 08:00 AM
Michael Jacobs

Lew Corcoran - a surface of any kind can be quite large especially as digging around creates mounds of opportunity.  Talk about an unlimited excavation project.  

May 26, 2025 08:51 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Michael, great post to celebrate those who have lost their lives for our safety.   

May 26, 2025 08:40 AM
Michael Jacobs

Joan Cox - thank you.  

May 26, 2025 09:00 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Michael, We remember. We honor. We are grateful. Memorial Day reminds us that the gift of freedom comes with a price paid by heroes.

May 26, 2025 08:48 AM
Michael Jacobs

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 - indeed.  

May 26, 2025 09:01 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Michael,

As usual your post is ponder worthy. I have not heard of this quote or James Baldwin so you made it possible to ponder a different perspective and  new material to digest. Wishing you a peaceful Memorial Day.

May 26, 2025 09:32 AM
Michael Jacobs

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - with your word choice of digest in your comment you have definitely added a bit more flavor to your food for thought message.  

May 26, 2025 10:02 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Michael- while I was fortunate not to have a family member lost in service to our country, I did have classmates lost in Vietnam. We went to the Fallen Warrior Memorial early this morning. 

I think of the young men and women who put their lives on the line for us. Larry was only in his mid-20s when he sat nuclear alert. He and the others knew that if and when the alert was not a drill, they were not coming back. 

May 26, 2025 11:10 AM
Michael Jacobs

Kathy Streib - it's really difficult to imagine.   

May 26, 2025 04:32 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I cannot think of anything more important...

love, kindness and respect

May 26, 2025 01:27 PM
Michael Jacobs

Sharon Tara - me either.  Or is it me neither?  It's interesting (to me) to see how messages can become garbled.  

May 26, 2025 04:33 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh Michael! The things you discover when you ponder! I have never heard of James Baldwin but, do agree wholeheartedly with his quote. It's akin to my being able to criticize someone in my family, but boy, don't anyone else consider criticizing them! 

May 27, 2025 05:53 AM
Michael Jacobs

Debe Maxwell, CRS - I think there is a benefit to a ground up type of approach to finding solutions.  Families, friends, neighbors and more provide beginning steps to moving forward in a positive way.  

May 27, 2025 05:58 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

I had heard of the James Baldwin quote. Having lost a good friend in Vietnam and living here in Golden Valley with many Vietnam Vets along with family members who survived WWII, this is a very special day to honor and respect who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

May 27, 2025 06:38 AM
Michael Jacobs

Leanne Smith - respect can be demonstrated in unlimited ways on a regular basis.  Observing such things can offer joyful moments.  And when they become a part of our own behavior, they may become more meaningful.  

May 27, 2025 07:14 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Michael.

Have a great day!

We have very rainy weather in Maryland at a bit chilly at 55 degrees at 9 a.m.

May 28, 2025 06:13 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - I hope you find some activities to brighten your day.

May 28, 2025 06:55 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

Missed your Memorial post (I unplugged for the weekend) but wanted to stop by and wish you a wonderful Friday, Michael!

May 30, 2025 11:49 AM
Michael Jacobs

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! - good for you.  Unplugging is a good practice.  

May 30, 2025 05:17 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

Michael Jacobs - Memorial Day weekend is exactly what Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty said: "I find this to be the most American of Holidays." Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on Monday, Memorial Day were days I pondered deeply and remembered to honor and respect the souls of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. 

May 31, 2025 04:34 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Patricia Feager - I still remember when Memorial Day was celebrated on May 31 prior to the decision to commemorate it along with other holidays on Mondays creating three-day weekends.  Honoring memories remains a thoughtful time whenever it occurs especially as reflection hopefully helps gain insight.  

May 31, 2025 04:55 AM
Patricia Feager

Michael Jacobs - Personally, I wish they would have left Memorial Day on May 31st instead of changing it out of convenience. No soldier's life was ever lost to be suitable for a family gathering to celebrate life. 

I just noticed the word "honoring" has eight letters. Imagine what it would be like, if for eight days people made sacrifices and employees did not get paid with an expectation to give back to the community. 

May 31, 2025 05:05 AM
Michael Jacobs

Patricia Feager - noticing such things can prompt pondering about many possibilities.  

May 31, 2025 06:13 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Michael Jacobs  God bless America, the land that I love - That was the way I was raised 

Jun 09, 2025 01:53 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hannah Williams - thank you for your comment.  Things learned as children can have a long-lasting impact.  

Jun 09, 2025 04:20 PM