Memorial Day - Is It Worth It?

Memorial Day:

noun
a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, traditionally observed on May 30 but now officially observed on the last Monday in May.

This was the first definition that came up when I searched Memorial Day on Google. But the first option that appeared in the suggestion bar was Memorial Day sales.

Our country has turned yet another day of remembrance and celebration, into another sale. Another gimmick to make us spend money on their products.

It is easy to forget what Memorial Day means when we are sitting by the pool as the start of summer approaches or running from store to store searching for the best deals of the day as if they will never come again in your lifetime. The sad reality is, they will be back for the Fourth of July.

This day signifies much more than a day to save some money.

Memorial Day resembles and signifies a solemn day of remembrance for those who died serving in the American armed forces.

This day, originally called Decoration Day, remembered and honored the Union and Confederate soldiers who fought in the American Civil War.

It was not until after World War II that is was recognized as a national holiday.

But since major corporations have found an excuse to lure people in with sales on every holiday, people have lost touch with the true meaning of Memorial Day.

I believe that Dr. Seuss’, The Grinch, summed it up perfectly when the narrator says “Maybe Christmas, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more.”

Obviously it is not Christmas, but the same idea still applies to our everyday lives. We cannot buy happiness or respect. We cannot honor those who died over seas with some hamburgers and half priced flip flops.

On this day, we acknowledge those who nobly gave up their lives with the knowledge that death was a probable outcome. They believed that this purpose- their country and those who lives in it - was greater than themselves.

Sacrifice is defined as “the destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else.”

That is a lot to ask someone to give up, especially when suffering in some sort is inevitable. Whether it be a painful death, or mental and emotional suffering when they return home. The images that they see are engrained into their memories forever and no amount of “shopping therapy” can cure that. Thank you anyway Macy’s.

Though suffering to some extent is a part of sacrifice, these people did not actively seek to suffer. And seeking suffering for its own sake is not sacrifice, just remember that.

Sacrifice, as in its definition, is giving up one good for the sake of a higher good, whether it benefits you directly or not. Whether it be something as simple as sacrificing an afternoon at McDonald’s with your friends to tutor someone. Or it could be as drastic as giving up your life, physically and spiritually at times, to protect the lives of others around you.

One misconception about memorial day is that we celebrate everyone who has served in the military. However, that is Veteran’s Day. That is when we honor those who were fortunate enough to live and return home to their families.

Memorial Day honors those who died and their families who suffered the great loss of of their loved one. Soldier’s graves are decorated with flags to thank the men and women that gave their lives to defend our country.

So while you are grilling out in your backyard or running around the mall, take a second to remember that this day is much more than a day off from work. Pay attention to all of the flags flying high around you and thank the men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice for you, whether you knew them or not. They wanted to help a perfectly good stranger, and that deserves much more than a discounted gift.

Photo by Emily Harrison