Memorial Day
Depending on where you live, the true meaning of Memorial Day may not be observed the way it should be. Businesses consider this an unofficial start to summer, consumers consider it a holiday weekend to look forward to. Let us pause for a moment and reflect on what the day truly means. It is a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
We always had conversations about Memorial Day with my daughter when she was young and how important it was. During the Covid lockdown, the local community put together a virtual tribute for Memorial Day where people contributed by reading stories, playing instruments, etc. My daughter, a high school freshman made her contribution by recording herself playing The US Air Force song. Then, for the next 3 years she was the Taps player for 2 towns — she would play Taps for the ceremony at one town, go over cross-town to the next and play Taps at the next ceremony then march in the parade. Each time I hear Taps played it gives me goosebumps and I sometimes see Veterans saluting with tears streaming down their faces; it is a very powerful sight.
Besides remembering those lost, we should also honor to those who served or continue to serve. I have heard some captivating stories, sitting down one-on-one with these veterans, one from an Army Chaplain who prayed when the troops he was serving with, was caught in a cross-fire. More recently, a truly inspiring story from a Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient, who showed me pictures of the regiment he served in. He pointed out the friends he lost in the battle of Khe Sanh, something I had only heard of and researched after it was referenced in the Bruce Springsteen song “Born in the USA”. To hear the details on how he held his position and his emotions first-hand in the moment, and of the sacrifice made by the marines in that battle, was a very moving experience. I know who I’ll be praying for this Memorial Day.
If you do not already observe the day as it should be observed — as a day of remembrance and to pay tribute to those who were lost, this is a good time to start. Pray for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, for those who continue to serve, Veterans who have served, their family members, and don’t forget the canines!
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This Memorial Day you might want to:
- Pray for those who lost their lives serving the country
- Raise the American flag
- Talk to your children about Memorial Day
- Talk to a veteran or someone on active duty that you know, spend time with them, grab a coffee or a drink
- If you know how, at 3 pm on Monday May 27, 2024 play Taps on trumpet or bugle
- Plant a flag or bring flowers to a War Memorial
- If there are Veterans offering poppys at your Church doors or at the 711, be generous with your donation and stop to talk to them
There are many more opportunities to help the military communities and their families. Some charities you can support are listed down below:
DAV Disabled American Veterans
Check out the LinkedIn articles on Military Charities
While we all observe this “holiday” let us remember where the focus really should be.
