Before You Break Out That Barbecue…

Before you break out the barbecue or grab your baseball glove this Memorial Day, take a moment to consider what’s behind this “most solemn of American holidays” – and the cost:

Many confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. They are not the same.

While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. The November holiday largely focuses on thanking living veterans for their service, and underscoring the fact that all who’ve served have sacrificed and done their duty. It is a day for thanks and appreciation.

Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. It is “the most solemn” of American holidays.

While we’re at it, can we please lose the “Happy Memorial Day” thing? There are plenty of events or occasions wherein “happy” is a perfectly acceptable adjective: Happy Easter. Happy Independence Day. Happy birthday. But “Happy” Memorial Day? That’s like saying “happy funeral.” Frankly, that’s just stupid. Not to mention galactically insensitive, especially to families whose loved one(s) made the ultimate sacrifice.

So fire up that grill. Grab that glove, kite, or second ice cream cone. Take in a concert. Hug your kids. Welcome summer. When you do, be sure to take a few moments to reflect on the high cost that’s been paid to secure your freedom and liberty. While you’re at it, find a veteran and thank him or her for his/her service. Do both with respect.

Semper Fi.

(This post originally appeared at the author’s blog, Conservelocity.)

ADVERTISEMENT

This article is printed with the permission of the author(s). Opinions expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the article’s author(s), or of the person(s) or organization(s) quoted therein, and do not necessarily represent those of American Clarion or Dakota Voice LLC.

Comment Rules: Please confine comments to salient ones that add to the topic; Profanity is not allowed and will be deleted; Spam, copied statements and other material not comprised of the reader’s own opinion will be deleted.

Similar Posts:

• Sen. Thune Submits Resolution Recognizing the Service of Vietnam Veterans
• Gov. Daugaard Issues Veteran’s Day Proclamation
• God Bless the USA
• South Dakota National Military Appreciation Month
• Military Times Ad: Service Members Didn’t Give Up Religious Freedom

A multi-published author and recovering Democrat, Kristine Lowder is a native Californian recently transplanted to the People’s Republic of Washington State. She still refuses to cede her life, fortune, or sacred honor to liberal Nazgul or anyone else with poor eyesight. Kristine is a graduate of Biola University. You can find her online at: Kristine Lowder, Writer or at Conservelocity.

Kristine Lowder

View all articles by Kristine Lowder