“I don’t really care,” said one of my friends as we discussed Memorial Day plans. He went on detailing how he believes most holidays have lost their meaning, so it’s difficult for him to celebrate.
For me, if there are two holidays that always have meaning it’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
My family has served in the military since World War II. Growing up, it was no secret that my grandfather was a member of 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. When my mother remarried, my stepfather had retired from Fort Benning, GA. After I graduated from high school in 2007, my brother deployed to Kuwait. Recently, my godbrother received orders to Korea.
My family history has shaped my opinion of these two holidays.
Therefore, regardless of my opinion of holidays, I always remember two things: Memorial Day is in remembrance of those fallen military personnel, and Veterans Day is in remembrance of those active and retired military personnel.
Even though, I’ve known my friend for a very long time, my feelings were hurt when he said that he didn’t care about Memorial Day. My grandfather, stepfather, brother, and god brother have been or are one incident away from becoming someone I know and have to remember on Memorial Day.
Although I do participate in a lot of the celebratory activities, Memorial Day isn’t just about the start of summer. It’s a day I remember those who were lost in war. I might not know them personally. I might not know their names, but they are the reason that I am able to have the freedoms I enjoy.
I encourage you to remember the service men and women who have died to protect our freedoms this Memorial Day. Even if you don’t care about holidays, I encourage you to take a moment this Memorial Day to remember the service members who died for our rights and freedoms.
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