by Kim Kligerman
Memorial Day celebrates the remembrance of the men and women who have passed from this life while defending the USA and our right to to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Whether they died serving or died after service, they are all remembered. Their lives, time, and effort were the cost of freedom.
The day is marked with parades, concerts and observances. National Cemetaries will hold Memorial Day ceremonies. White gloves, dress uniforms, and perfectly precisioned salutes will show reverence and respect for the fallen.
Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer. Americans will gather with family and friends, partake in BBQ, and swimming pools will open for the summer months. People will be out enjoying their life & liberty, and pursuing happiness.
This Memorial Day, take time to think about those who served and their ultimate sacrifice. This Memorial Day, do something to remember those who died serving our country. Look into the eyes of those who still mourn these once vibrant men and women, and express your sympathy. Thank them for the sacrifice their loved one made, and the sacrifices the family continues to make. Their sacrifice follows the example of Jesus Christ laying down His life for our freedom. It’s selfless love for others – not so others can mourn forever, but live!
“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16
In the most quoted Memorial Day speech ever given, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. ended his address with these words, “Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death — of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the spring. As I listen, the great chorus of life and joy begins again, and amid the awful orchestra of seen and unseen powers and destinies of good and evil our trumpets sound once more a note of daring, hope, and will.” *
This Memorial Day, get out and celebrate life. Remember those who have given everything so that every American may enjoy it.
* Oliver Wendall Holmes Jr.’s address was given on 30 May 1884, in Keene, New Hampshire, USA. The speech was delivered before John Sedgwick Post No. 4, Grand Army of the Republic. You can view the entire speech here: https://speakola.com/ideas/oliver-wendell-holmes-memorial-day-speech-1884