The Meaning of Memorial Day

Memorial Day. Most everyone knows it takes place on the final Monday in May. A slightly fewer percentage of us actually know why it was originally declared a holiday and why it is so important that we not lose sight of the “reason behind the season.”

I personally don’t know anyone who died fighting for our country. Or for anyone’s country. And even for those who want to extend that out to include the events of 9/11 or the domestic terrorism event that took place right here in Oklahoma City in 1995, I did not have a personal relationship with anyone whose life was taken as part of a military or terrorism action. But, that does not mean I don’t have the utmost respect and gratitude for those who were willing to sacrifice their own lives so that we could continue enjoying the freedoms associated with our lives.

That said, it can’t be lost that what Memorial Day has mostly become is a weekend built around barbecuing, boating and beer-consuming. And for many people, that is pretty much all this weekend is about. Trust me – I know all too well what it is like to start the weekend at the lake on Friday and wake up on Monday wishing the fun was never going to end.

Today, however, I won’t be among those at the lake, but will instead be visiting the gravesites of my Papa and my sister. My Papa lived a long life that included a few years in the U.S. Navy and ended with heart problems. My sister lived a shortened life that started with heart problems and ended after more than three decades of being developmentally disabled. I will be recognizing their contributions to the world and remembering the incredible effect they had on my life.

Each of us has our own way of spending our Memorial Day weekend. And nobody should feel guilty or judged for how they spend it. But, let us not forget to at least take a moment to remember those whose lives ended prematurely so that we could enjoy those fun times at the lake or to have the opportunity to remember other loves ones who have passed on. It is, after all, about remembering our memories.