Keeping The ‘memory’ In Memorial Day
Memorial Day: a holiday observed on the last Monday in May that is meant to honor and remember those who died in the military while serving their country.
There you have it. Honor and Remember. It seems that holidays meant to Honor our Nation’s Military members for their service (and or sacrifice) have been essentially turned into a retail shopping and BBQ bonanza rather than embracing the meaning of the day. Since our Dina Parise team has a vast background in honoring our Nation’s Military members, we have experienced this phenomenon first hand. If you take one thing from this piece, it is my hope that as families gather for the holiday everyone will remember (and teach) the importance of why WE have the privilege to enjoy the day never forgetting those who sacrificed for that privilege.
One moment that stands out in my mind was a conversation I had with someone as we displayed our Pro Mods at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. A young (Swedish) tourist came over to us to ask “can you please explain this ‘Memorial Day’ Holiday to me? I see all the stores with red, white, and blue in the windows and sale signs but I do not understand what the holiday is.” That was when it really hit me. Retailers utilize the term Memorial Day for their own benefit and most seem not to care or understand the meaning. Not to say that sales and picnics should not occur on this day, but we as citizens need to honor the meaning of the day.
In the past our Dina Parise team has run programs on race days to honor the Military. We have met Active duty as well as Veterans and wounded Veterans of all ages. Having had the honor to work so closely with our nation’s Miltary Members makes me (us) want to create awareness for who they are and what they have accomplished. Everything WE do, everything WE accomplish leads back to those who have fought for our freedom. The term ‘Freedom is Not Free’ is not to be taken lightly. We need not feel a sense of entitlement but rather appreciate how unbelievably lucky we are.
On this day I ask that you all fly your flag high. When gathering together please take a moment to remember those who sacrificed for our freedom. Maybe take a quick trip to a military cemetery and lay a wreath to commemorate those we have lost. In remembering the fallen, we also honor their loved ones: spouses, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, friends. Let your children understand and respect what they have done. No matter where you are, at 3 p.m. local time, all Americans are asked to pause wherever they are (as an act of unity) for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
We don’t know them all, but we owe them all. ~ Unknown
