Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season. People make vacation plans, put boats in the water and head to campgrounds to celebrate the arrival of the warm weather.
But the real purpose of Memorial Day is to remember the sacrifices of the men and women and their families who gave their lives in service to our country. The origins of this holiday stretch back to the years following the Civil War, when local townspeople would plant flowers and decorate the graves of soldiers who had died in those battles. Ultimately, the U.S. government standardized the date and, over the years, the tradition expanded to honor soldiers lost in subsequent wars.
Our focus on the start of summer, the joy of a long weekend and the opening of the backyard grill means we often lose sight of the purpose and origins of the holiday. Memorial Day represents something very different. It’s a day for reflecting on sacrifice and service, a day for placing flags and flowers in front of headstones. It is also a day to be proud to be American, a reminder to be openly thankful for those men and women who not only volunteered to join the one percent of Americans that fight for our country and our freedom, but who gave their lives for it.
So this year on Memorial Day, honor their memory by celebrating the America they loved. Cherish the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, enjoy the freedom to swim or hike or cookout with friends. But don’t forget to pause for a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that our brothers and sisters in arms have made for all of us. Let’s teach our children & grandchildren that our freedom was bought and paid for by generations of service members they will never meet; while we can never repay our debt to them, it is our responsibility to remember them.
And when the sun sets on Memorial Day, continue to remember their sacrifices. Find some small way to carry that spirit of appreciation and remembrance with you throughout the year. They’ve earned it.
At Realty Executives Oceanside, we serve locally and freely. We're able to do so because of those who have served so valiantly to protect us all. This weekend, and every time we salute the flag, we salute the men and women who so bravely serve our country and we thank you for your service and sacrifices.
