What Does Memorial Day Mean To You?
Memorial Day has always been an unusual day for me. I’ve known several people who have served in the military – including family – but not a large number.
In fact, for much of my life, the military has been far removed from my radar.
So yesterday, I got to thinking…if I don’t necessarily have a personal attachment to it, what does Memorial Day mean to me?
What does Memorial Day mean to me?
I decided Memorial Day is a day to think about all of those who have fought and lived or died for the greater good; for our greater good. That may sound obvious (that is, after all what the day is meant to be about), but it’s always been about cookouts or a day at the beach my whole life. So that’s why it’s important, as an adult, to come back to what it’s all about.
fHow you celebrate is your choice
Just like any holiday, how you choose to celebrate it is an individual decision. Whether it’s by visiting a local military cemetery, attending a Memorial Day parade, or even having a cookout and spending time with close family and friends, this is a holiday that is unique to each one of us.
I’ve come to terms with the fact that Memorial Day doesn’t mean reciting the Pledge of Allegiance 10 times or singing the Star Spangled Banner perfectly. Instead, for me any way, it’s been about celebrating all of those things that really speak to what it means to be an American.
Happy Memorial Day! How are you celebrating?