The True Meaning of Memorial Day
by The true meaning of Memorial Day.
On Monday, many Americans spend a day at work or school parades, barbecues or attend to enjoy the Memorial Day sales. But how many people really stop to remember the true meaning of the holiday?
Ask any military families who have lost a family member in war or a person who has a loved one deployed overseas, and they’ll probably tell you that Memorial Day is not a party. This is not a happy day. It was never intended to be the unofficial start to summer or a big day for race fans. This is a somber occasion to honor the men and women who died serving in the country.
“Many people find the time to relax, enjoy a burger and a parade,” said Lt. Gen. Reginald Centracchio, Rhode Island National Guard. “Basically we have forgotten the main reason for Memorial Day, and it’s really remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Holiday, originally called Decoration Day, began with the Civil War era, when the graves of the fallen were decorated with garlands of action. In 1971, Congress declared it a national holiday is observed on the last Monday in May. Since then, many veterans groups have lobbied and return to the traditional observance of May 30 said that the creation of holiday has further deteriorated, the importance of the day.
“Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the same for the day. There is no doubt that this contributed significantly to the general observance of Memorial Day indifferent public,” said VFW 2002 Memorial Day address.
To remind Americans about the true meaning of Memorial Day, President Bill Clinton in 2000 published the National Moment of Remembrance resolution. He asked all Americans to “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing as they do for a moment of silence or listening to” Taps. “
So while it’s OK to enjoy a day of work or school to go to a parade, attending a barbecue, or take advantage of sales, why not take a moment of silence to remember those who sacrificed everything for all of us.
Liked it
