Instead of waiting until Monday, I decided today would be a good day for a Memorial Day message (after an inspirational nudge from the incredible Stephanie Howell) as we head into the long weekend.
It's easy to forget what this holiday is really about. Sure, it's a three-day weekend. Yes, it's a great time to fire up the BBQ, go camping, snag a bargain, hang out with family and friends. But that isn't what this holiday is about.
Will you remember?
Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving our country.
In the early days it was called Decoration Day and it commemorated the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. It was later extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.
On Memorial Day the flag is flown at half staff until noon. It is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then slowly lowered to the half-staff position. At noon it is raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
"The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all."
source: Home of Heroes via Wikipedia
This weekend I'll be remembering that the reason we can even hold parties and BBQ's, swim, shop, camp and generally hang out having a good time, is because of the sacrifices our military heroes (and their families) have made and continue to make every day.
Thank you to our brave service men and women, past and present.
This weekend I'll be remembering. And I'll be grateful.
Will you remember?
xoxo
