Thoughts on Memorial Day 2017
Yesterday, I didn’t post this blog because, well, it wasn’t written and I wanted to post it on Memorial Day… I want to take a moment and share my thoughts about an important American holiday. It ranks with July 4th as one of the two most important U.S. holidays.
The tradition of remembering members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died while serving began way back in the 1860s during and in the aftermath of the bloodiest war in American history. More Americans died during the Civil War than ALL the other wars our country’s history combined. That includes World Wars I and II!
On the other hand, Veterans’ Day is celebrated to recognize all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Officially, the last Monday in May was deemed Memorial Day in 1966 by President Johnson that made Memorial Day May 31st. In 1968, in the Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Act making Memorial Day the last Monday in May.
Memorial Day is not a day off from work or school to run out to the mall to take advantage of special sales. Nor is it what some call the first day of summer travel period. Those who deem it so, do a dis-service to all those who died in the service of our country. Instead, it is a day to remember those who died serving this wonderful country and whose sacrifices ensure that we enjoy our freedoms so we can go to car dealer or mall to go shopping.
There’s not a day or week that I don’t think about the generations of Americans who served their country, willing to risk life and limb for the freedom and way of life of the United States, take a moment to think about them and thank them.
‘Nuff said.
Marc Liebman
May 2017