Memorial Day is an important day to me because we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. I’m always moved when I hear Taps played.
I always write two or three pieces on Memorial Day. One focuses on history, which is the subject of this piece; another is about Taps, which I usually link in the first piece—but not this year. I also always write one about a friend, Bobby Zoller. Bobby died on July 2, 1970, in the A Shau Valley region of Vietnam. This year, maybe I’ll write about the future of Memorial Day or what it has become, based on an article I read a few days ago.
This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26. Traditionally, the actual day is May 30, but it was moved in 1971 to the fourth Monday of May to create a three-day weekend. To me, it should have been left alone; the significance of the day is lost to many, turning it into just another Monday off, a three-day weekend.
Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War, and I can still remember calling it by its former name. When I was a kid, it meant a parade and a trip to the cemetery. There was a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps, and as soon as the ceremony ended, all the little boys would race to grab as many shell casings ejected from the guns as they could. After decades, we no longer have a local parade.
There appears to be some confusion about three distinct military observances, and you may often see photographs mislabeling them. I never fault those who get it wrong. Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. Armed Forces Day, observed in May, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
I know many will spend the day enjoying time with their families and having picnics. But honestly, the day is about those who never came home for another family gathering. Those are the ones I hope you take a moment to remember, whether on the 26th, the 30th, or both. I do both and still call it Memorial Day—a day of remembrance. Today at 3:00 p.m., take a moment to reflect on the real meaning of today.
A friend once asked me why people say “Happy Memorial Day.” I thought about it, and it makes no sense at all. It is a somber day of remembrance for those who have fallen, so I will never again preface it with “Happy.”
May God bless all the brave men and women who have fought and died for our country. We will forever be grateful for your sacrifice. God bless America!