It’s a Monday without work. It’s going to be a glorious day, but is this what Memorial Day is about?
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, it is a day to thank those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our rights as Americans. It is a day to thank those currently serving, to thank those who have served, and to remember that our freedom and our lives rest on the continued sacrifices of our military members. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be out bar-b-queuing, lazing at Virginia Beach, or playing Ultimate Frisbee, it simply means you should appreciate these activities more and cherish those around you.
Memorial Day, however, is not Veteran’s Day. While we should always be thanking our military members, and while we can and should thank them on Memorial Day, this day is devoted to honoring our fallen soldiers.
It is easy to forget the dead. The dead do not rise up and protest mistreatment, the dead do not laugh with us, they do not cry with us, and they don’t complain about 2 weeks of rain or the fact that Virginia is already a humid swamp. Their presence fades from our lives gradually, until we forget what an impact they had.
Our colorful, full lives have no place for such sadness, for such low feelings; we’re just not built that way. Especially on this day, amidst the fun and warmth, it is easy to forget the reason we are able to be away from our desks. Furthermore, we often disregard those who are living with the sacrifices of others, their wives, mothers, children, fathers, husbands, siblings, as these individuals never forget.
Memorial Day is not a day about a concept, as too many of us that are what our fallen soldiers are, a concept perpetuated by the news and in stories. Many of us have the luxury of not being personally connected to loss, and for that, we should be thankful.
However, Memorial Day is very real, and every day more sacrifices are made so we can continue to live free. On this Memorial Day, make time to visit Arlington Cemetery or participate in local Memorial Day events, listen to veterans talk about their fallen brothers, and educate your children on the importance of this day. Above everything else remember to thank and appreciate those who have fallen. Celebrate your freedom, but remember the cost.
Curcio Law wishes to thank all military members, active duty or retired and their families. Curcio Law remembers those who have fallen and thank them for their ultimate sacrifice.
We remember today and every day.
