My Thoughts on Memorial Day

What comes to mind when you think about this day? What are your thoughts when it arrives? Are you thinking of the fallen soldiers, or perhaps the workday you might be getting off? I would like to share my thoughts with you about it. 

Memorial Day is not Veterans Day    

While in my belief our veterans should be commemorated every day, Memorial Day’s purpose is not to remember our service men and women who have served previously and were able to come back home, this day serves as a reminder of those who have fought for our freedom and protection and have given their lives for it.

Memorial Day is only for our Military, but it shouldn’t be

It is true that only our soldiers are formally recognized on this day, but I believe this day signifies more than that. People understand that Memorial Day is to remember the soldiers who have given their life for our freedom, again it is for them, although it should also serve to recognize our fallen police officers, firefighters, emergency respondents, and all other public servants that have served America. They have given their lives in a continual battlefield for our national securities and freedom.

Please note when I say this, it isn't to detract from the honorarable service that our soldiers made that led to giving their lives for it, but to recognize all others whom have served as well. Once you realize how many others have served and given their lives for America, you will be astounded to find out.

Memorial Day is not only remembering those who died, but celebrating their Victory

We remember the Servant, but in times not the service. Remember why and what these men and women who have served our Country have accomplished. They have endured what no other has, they have been through the wars this world has brought us and given their lives to gain Freedom, Security, and Well-Being.

Memorial Day is not a happy day

We are happy and joyful because we can celebrate that we have Rights and Freedoms our Country’s servants have provided, but this day is not a happy occasion for most people.

Never wish somebody a “Happy Memorial Day”, be cautious, words can be a destructive tool to those who might be grieving. While you may be planning to celebrate by having a BBQ or simply enjoying a day off from work with family, there is nothing wrong with that but please remember to think about the Men, Women, Brothers and Sisters, that have put their lives on the line. Honor them, pray for their families.

This sacred holiday is to venerate those who have fallen, be that friends, family, comrades, even people you don’t know. They deserve it.

Remember them not only on this Memorial Day, but every day. Remember the sacrifice that was made for your rights, liberty and safety.

This is to you, we love you, honor you, and are indebted for all you have done for us.

This article was written by Jonathon Benedict, Marketing Major at Grand Valley State University and Marketing Intern at Redwood.