Meaning of Memorial
Day
By James R. Mueller
Cmdr in Chief, VFW
It’s a sacred day to all war veterans: None need to be
reminded of the reason that Memorial Day must be commemorate. But
what about the general public, and more important, future generations?
Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of the day
honoring their fellow Americans killed in war? Judging from what
Memorial Day has become – simply another day off from work – the answer
is a resounding no. Perhaps a reminder is due then. And it
is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message.
Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America’s
collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware
of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime.
Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all
Americans enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of
other few of us actually knew. That’s why they are all
collectively remembered on one special day. This should be
regarded as a civic obligation. For this is a national debt that
can only be truly repaid by individual Americans. By honoring the
nation’s war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and
sacrifice in the memories of future generations.
They came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But
they all had one thing in common – love of and loyalty to
country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trials,
allowing a diverse lot of Americans to achieve monumental ends.
We remember the loss of loved ones, a sense of loss that takes group
form. In essence, America is commemorating those who made the
greatest sacrifice possible – giving one’s own life on behalf of
others.
Means of paying tribute vary. Pausing for a few moments of
personal silence is available to everyone. Attending
commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating
remembrance: Placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades,
sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddy
Poppies are examples.
Whether done individually or collectively, it is the thought that
counts. Personal as well as public acts of remembering are
the ideal. Public displays of patriotism are essential if the
notion of remembering war dead is to be instilled in youth. As
America’s older war veterans fast disappear from society’s landscape,
there are fewer and fewer standard-bearers left to carry the torch of
remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a
vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed.
Now, more than in recent years, the enduring relevance of Memorial Day
should be clearly evident. With two wars under way, the public
has no excuse not to remember.
This much is owed to the more than 2,500 Americans who have died thus
far in Afghanistan and Iraq.
James R. Mueller