Don't get me wrong, I will be enjoying sunshine, family and the sumptuous taste of a char-grilled burger myself, but it is important that I, and all of us who are Americans, stop and REMEMBER what Memorial Day actually IS and why it is commemorated.
Somewhere through the years, many Americans have lost touch of WHAT significant holidays in our history MEAN.
There is nothing "happy" about Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the day in which we REMEMBER the men and women who DIED while serving our country.
Memorial Day has become lost in the ridiculousness that was created when Congress, on June 28, 1968 signed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which officially took effect on January 1, 1971. This act moved holidays such as Memorial Day, George Washington's birthday (remember him? The "father of our country" whose birthday REALLY IS FEBRUARY 22ND), Labor Day (now celebrated the first Monday in September), and Columbus Day (Columbus Day USED to be on Christopher Columbus's REAL BIRTHDAY, October 12th, but is now celebrated the second Monday of October). The act was officially designed to "increase the number of 3 day weekends for federal employees."
Well, "isn't THAT special?"
Thankfully, July 4, (Independence Day), has remained unscathed.........
So while I, and many of you, are enjoying this time with friends and family, take a moment, STOP and REMEMBER the reason this day exists.
We remember today!
ReplyDeleteYes indeed......we need to remember what this day is all about - and hopefully even if we are enjoying the day with family that will be in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sammy
** bowing my head with respect **
ReplyDeleteAmen to all of that and so agree. Happy Memorial Day from all o fus.
ReplyDeleteThe uniform holidays seem to be a time for increasingly-dispersed families to take advantage of the extra time to travel and spend time together, but we hope everyone also remembers the reason for the holiday that gave them the chance to see their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteVery well said Cody. I linked this post to Awww Mondays.
ReplyDeleteHave a purrfect day Cody. My best to your wonderful mom. ♥♥♥
I was thinking that before you said it. Many people go to cemetaries on this day and put flags or flowers on graves. That being said, I also see nothing wrong with enjoying yourself as long as you don't forget they people that helped bring the security that allows you to enjoy this day.
ReplyDeleteNice post :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely Memorial Day from the London UK :-)
We love having the three day weekends, but of course remember the reasons behind the holidays. It is because of those who fought and gave their lives for our country that we can enjoy some extra time together with our families. Thanks for the wonderful reminder.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Caren & Cody. It's the same in England. Most people choose to forget what celebrations are really for.
ReplyDeletePurrs xx
Athena and Marie
It's not Memorial day here, but I like your post.
ReplyDeletePeople have to remember the real meaning of it.
Bonne soirée
Nat à Chat
Thank you for saying what I tell my coworkers all the time. Nobody seems to want to remember the true reason why we have a day called *Memorial Day* at all...(well, OK, there are a few...).
ReplyDeleteSheesh, and I am a Canadian! (We have heroes too, that need more remembrance and recognition...we have similar forgetfulness there too it seems.)
Thank you Cody, a good reminder for this special day.
ReplyDeletexxoo
Maggie, Mickey Mouser, and Rufus the Red
Well said!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I have been telling people to have a nice day, but avoiding the Happy part because as you wrote, people died and I agree there is nothing happy about that. You look very cute Cody.
ReplyDeleteImportant to value the true meaning of the holiday and I learned something new about the origins!
ReplyDeleteWe totally agree. It's nice to be with family and friends on Memorial Day, but it's important to remember those who gave all for us.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love this! Gramps served in WWII but enjoyed a barbecue AFTER we'd watched the local Memorial Day pass through. We salute those and hope that someday somehow humans can learn to live in peace.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this! <3 We completely avoid sales & shopping this weekend, it just doesn't seem right.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! We remember and honor those that gave their lives for us to be free.
ReplyDeleteA timely, thoughtful emotive post. I hope you and all our American brothers and sisters, had a peaceful, reflective Memorial Day. We shall never forget.
ReplyDeleteIn peace and hope,
Gary
Great post and Cody looks so cute. We are so grateful for the sacrifice people have given to our great country. We are so blessed.
ReplyDeleteVery well said!
ReplyDeleteVery well said. In most cases, we have forgotten the true reason and meaning for most of our holidays. It is sad, especially in the case of Memorial Day. The more than 1.1 million Americans who have lost their lives on our behalf deserve our respect and appreciation. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
ReplyDeleteCody and Mom Caren, thank you. That is exactly how I feel--- to the letter! All of the "Happy Memorial Day"'s which are said aloud by rote, not intent, are sad to hear when you think of the real meaning of the day that had been set aside for all who sacrificed their all to keep the Country safe from invaders. I was going to make my mom blog about that today but you have done a superb service here. Xoxox
ReplyDeleteSuch a profound point you make, Caren, and so wonderfully said. I hope you had a blessed Memorial Day full of remembrance and hope.
ReplyDeleteSo important to remember all the fallen soldiers!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteHonoring our fallen heroes...
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Cody. People often forget this important message.
ReplyDeleteWe remember. And God Bless America.
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi
Thanks for reminding us all what this important day is really all about.
ReplyDeleteHave a super Tuesday...
Noodle and crew
We couldn't agree more!
ReplyDeleteVery true! We remember.
ReplyDeleteWe Remember and we agree! We celebrate our veterans, on November 11th here in Canada, and many companies now work through it and "give" you an extra day at Christmas...we think that is awful.
ReplyDeleteKisses
Nellie and Mommy