Memorial Day should be more than a day off

We hope you’ll take time to attend your local Memorial Day service on Monday, and that you won’t be in a hurry to get back to the lake or home for the barbecue.

Yes, Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to and remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military. By commemorating Memorial Day, we can show our respect and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation’s freedoms and values.

Stroll thoughtfully around Memorial Park and Riverview cemeteries you’ll find the graves, decorated with American flags, of veterans of both sides of the Civil War and conflicts all the way up to the War on Terrorism.

Chances are, some of them are your friends or relatives. Memorial Day is a good way to honor and remember these local heroes, ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Originally “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day dates back to the aftermath of the Civil War and is an important way to contribute to preserving and upholding the historical significance of Memorial Day and its importance in American culture.

Sadly, we won’t see some of our old friends at the service, but it’s a great time to touch base with those who do — especially heartwarming in these post-pandemic times.

Memorial Day and the Fourth of July provide an opportunity for people to connect with one another, share stories, and support families who have lost loved ones in service.

And don’t forget to take your younger family members along. Memorial Day serves as an educational opportunity to teach younger generations about the sacrifices made by military personnel. Memorial Day and other community events like Heritage Days parades, ceremonies, or educational programs, can help instill a sense of patriotism and a deep appreciation for the country’s history and the sacrifices made to protect it.

Let’s enjoy the traditional opening day of summer, but let’s do our best to take time to remember the fallen, preserve historical traditions, foster unity, and educate future generations about the importance of military service and sacrifice.