Guest Author - Jeff Valentine


So...What did you do on Memorial Day?

Yes, I know, it's after the fact and a few days gone, but there is a point to the question.

A Short Little History Lesson:

Memorial Day first came about after the Civil War when the United States of America was ripped apart and ended with 600,000 of its finest sons in graves. It was mostly observed in the Northern States while the Southern States, or former Confederate States, held their own memorial day.

It wasn’t until after World War One, The War to End All Wars, that the entire country observed Memorial Day in unison.

Memorial Day Now:

Many of us had barbecues, hung out with family, and consumed too many adult beverages and hot dogs. Others went to parades, and still others just took advantage of a day off from work and did nothing...well next to nothing, they still had to breathe.

Some people went around telling people Happy Memorial Day, and maybe you did too. Or the phrase may have been said to you once or many times.

Isn't that phrase an odd choice though; "Happy" Memorial Day. Doesn't the saying really diminish what Memorial Day stands for?

It's really about memorializing, or honoring the memory of those that have gone before us and given all that they had to give.

To me it is a solemn day, not a "happy" one. Not that I don't feel happiness, and not that I haven't taken advantage of a day off in the past and gotten really bloated over barley-pop and encased pig "stuff". That was before.

For me, Memorial Day calls for reverence, remembrance, and thanks.

-Thanks to those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who can't hoist a cold one because their current duty does not allow it, for they're at war, right now.

-Thanks to the Veterans who met the call of duty in times past and later came home to build America.

-Thanks to the continued sacrifices of the wounded, who have left pieces of themselves in foreign lands, whether it be one speck of their blood or a lost limb.

-Thanks to the many, who have laid down their lives, ostensibly for America at home, but really for their battle buddy next to them. May their spirits find peace at last.

-And a final thanks to the Spouses and families who continue, persevere, and carry the torch for their loved ones onward.

This is Memorial Day for me. And it doesn't have to be one day per year. Everyday can really be Memorial Day if you are the grateful sort.

As I said before, Memorial Day for me is not necessarily a “Happy” day but rather a solemn and respectful one.

So...What did you do on Memorial Day?