Look, I get it: people love long weekends. I love long weekends. But it does irk me when I constantly see the "Happy Memorial Day" post with someone gripping a cocktail on Instagram while at the beach without so much as a thank you to the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Do they even know why there is a Memorial Day?
Do they even understand what the day means?
Memorial Day is a day in which men and women are honored because they died while serving in the military.
It's not just about going to the beach.
It's not just about sleeping in an extra day.
It's not just about the BBQs.
My Grandpa did not die while serving. But I still think about him on Memorial Day. He served in the World War 2, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He has two purple hearts. He did come home. But unfortunately he is no longer with us.
I miss him. I remember he smelled of smoke and he was kind. I was obsessed with the movie Annie and he let me watch it over and over when I visited. When Miss Hannigan frightened me, I would bury my face in his shoulder. I am thankful for all he did for his country. I did not understand when I was a child and sadly he died before I became a teenager. But now I understand.
Of course you should enjoy Memorial Day. But please, if even for a second, think about all the soldiers who went to fight for their country and never got to come home. Perhaps you can go to a local cemetery and help clean the graves of fallen soldiers. You'd be heartbroken to know that many of these graves are overgrown with dirty headstones. It should never be this way.
Please don't just say Happy Memorial Day and think it's enough.
Please remember the brave soldiers who never got to come home.
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Memorial Day is not just the unoficial start to summer. It is so important to honor our soldiers and heroes who died for us and our country. Thanks for the reminder
ReplyDeleteWe celebrant our fallen heroes and appreciate their sacrifice, today and always!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you. It's best to always commemorate the reason behind the holidays such as Memorial Day. That gives more meaning to it.
ReplyDeleteI get your point, it irks me also that some holidays are just celebrated but the people almost forgot what the celebration's about.
ReplyDeleteSuch an important day, we actually don't celebrate it here but we have something along that line tomorrow
ReplyDeleteYes, Memorial Day is first of all about soldiers and remembering those ones that died while they were defending their country.
ReplyDeleteyes, 100% we need to remember and thank all of those who have made sacrifices to keep us all safe and free.
ReplyDeleteWe never go to the beach on Memorial Day. We did make trips before but they're all historical. Thank you to your grandpa for his service. -LYNNDEE
ReplyDeleteaww thank you for this and I love the idea of cleaning up gravestones to keep remembering those who gave their life foru s.
ReplyDeleteAww I love this, Such a great idea to clean up!. hope you had a great weekend
ReplyDeleteYou said what is in my mind, it is day of remmebrance of those breave heros who gave ultimate sacrifice for the country.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder as to WHY Memorial Day matters. It's sad that people forget the history, the cost of it.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a great perspective on this. I think people forget too often about the significance behind these holidays and it is good to have a reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting the true meaning of Memorial Day. I have a lot of military now and then in my family, and by the grace of God, they all came home after their tours. But our freedom is owed to all of them for their service.
ReplyDeleteI love this so much. Memorial Day is about so much more than a day off and having a party. We need to remember what was sacrificed to be honored by this day.
ReplyDeleteI skip the BBQs on that day. I'd rather take a day to remember those who've passed on.
ReplyDeleteMemorial Day is such an important holiday.
ReplyDeleteSince we don’t celebrate here I don’t know much about this holiday. But your grandpa sounded amazing
ReplyDeleteThis is such a really important day. Thanks to your grandpa for his service!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reminding us the true meaning of Memorial Day. This is such a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI think it is can be easy to forget or "glaze over" the true meaning of this holiday. Thank you for bringing attention to this and also sharing the story of your grandfather!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with you. Remembering our heroes and their sacrifices not just on Memorial day but always.
ReplyDeleteIt's still very important to commemorate our soldiers... before thinking about summer.
ReplyDeleteCommemorating fallen soldiers is most certainly what Memorial Day should be about!
ReplyDeleteBoth of my grandpas served in WW2 and told me stories of what life was like on the front lines. I miss being able to see and talk to them. But I am thankful for all the soldiers and their families.
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice way to keep their memories alive and remember the sacrifices made for our freedoms.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful day to honor and reminisce our hero that brought us freedom to our generation.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your grandfather's service. My grandpa lost his leg in WWII. -We attend a parade in out town and are able to clap for the military and service members in the parade to show support. It is a nice way to remember all who have sacrificed for our freedoms.
ReplyDeleteThat's good that you have fond memories of your grandfather. Memorial Day is a good time to reflect on all who have made the sacrifice to serve for our country.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good reminder to remember and honor those who fought for our country and lost their lives. This holiday should be an appreciation of those who have served and are serving.
ReplyDeleteIt's so very important to remember the lives that were lost on "holidays" like Memorial Day. These are the people who fought for a better world for future generations, and we cannot forget them.
ReplyDeleteAmber, I like how your post captures that contrast of summer freedom, family time, and the quiet undercurrent of remembrance that Memorial Day brings. It’s not just beach towels and sunshine—it’s a moment that gently reminds you what the day is actually rooted in, even while life keeps moving forward in sunscreen and shoreline laughter.
ReplyDeleteWhat a moving tribute to your dear Grandpa. And I love how you are sharing your story, and a little bit of your Grandpa to help people understand the importance of the memorial.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we get lost in our own personal lens, and by sharing our stories it builds understanding and empathy across generations who don't fully comprehend what our older folk endured so we can live the lives we have today.
Our old folk who worked and fought so hard for us should never be forgotten.
Wow! Going to beach during memorial day is unique experience, but it will help you to enjoy your time and day
ReplyDeleteSuch a heartfelt and important reminder about the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is easy for people to get caught up in the holiday weekend activities and forget the sacrifices made by so many brave men and women who never made it home. Y
ReplyDeleteIt's true that so many people treat Memorial Day as a celebration. It's properly a day of reflection and remembrance.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to stop and think about important things like heros that changed this world. Hopefully everyone remembers what this day is all about.
ReplyDeleteThis was such an important reminder. Memorial Day carries so much deeper meaning beyond the holiday festivities, and I appreciate the thoughtful perspective you shared here. Thank you for honoring that so respectfully.
ReplyDeleteI think people either don't know the true meaning of it or it has become so commercialized that they don't think at all. There's nothing happy about that special day because it should be a day of reflection and remembrance. I agree with you. Elizabeth F
ReplyDeleteThank you for highlighting the true meaning behind these holidays. Just like you, it’s also one of my pet peeves when people focus only on the celebrations and parties while overlooking the significance of the occasion itself. Some holidays are meant to be a time for reflection, remembrance, or gratitude, and it’s important to understand and respect the reason why they are observed in the first place.
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