Memorial Day – A Time for Remembering
Everyone forgets things now and then. We get busy and things slip through the cracks. Sometimes it is little things like picking up a gallon of milk on our way home or mailing a birthday card on time. Other times, the stakes are higher, like missing a phone call or a deadline. The point is – we didn’t remember.
Remembering is the Point
Memorial Day is about remembering. It’s about taking a moment from our busy lives to stop and think about those who died while serving our country in the armed forces. As part of this holiday a wreath is placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the President (or someone appointed by the President). There are special ceremonies in our nation’s capital and across the country. Many cities have parades and concerts. And, at 3:00 pm local time, across the entire United States, people everywhere can observe the National Moment of Remembrance in thoughtful silence.
The point of this whole holiday is to take time to remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving our country in the military.
What Memorial Day Is
Memorial Day started as a way to remember the soldiers who died during our Civil War. Over the years, it expanded to encompass American soldiers who died in other wars and conflicts. Today, this holiday is a way we can show respect for all service members who have died serving our country, whether during war or peacetime.
Remember – A Definition
So just what does it mean to “remember” those who have died while serving our country? Merriam-Webster defines the word remember this way: “to keep in mind for attention or consideration; record; commemorate.”
Intentionally Remembering
The idea here is that we intentionally set aside time to think about or remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. This is a way we can show respect and honor for their sacrifice and service. Whether we attend a ceremony or event near us, visit a cemetery, or just observe the National Moment of Remembrance, we can all make time to remember on Memorial Day.
Remembering Changes Us
Taking time to remember can change us. It forces us to slow down – even if just for a moment – and leads us toward gratitude.
Your Westlark Advisors Team hopes that your Memorial Day was full of remembering and gratitude!
Memorial Day – A Time for Remembering
By JD Buss
