We know it’s Memorial Day and I know many people are grilling, eating burgers and steaks, and spending time with family.
The first observance of Memorial Day was on May 30, 1868, originally known as “Decoration Day.”
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May. It is a time for remembering and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to pay their respects to fallen soldiers, and there are also parades and other events to honor their memory. It is also seen as the unofficial start of summer in the United States.
In early November, we celebrate Veterans Day and in May, we celebrate Memorial Day. Veterans Day is for the survivors who served in the military and Memorial Day is for the fallen soldiers of the military. Either way, I love how we honor our soldiers, whether deceased, or living.
Often times wars are started because Presidents and heads of states can’t come to a peaceful resolution. So poor and working class Americans who join the military end up risking their life behind our political “leaders” inability to negotiate peacefully. Politicians, Presidents, and heads of states fight verbally, but poor and working class civilians fight physically.
Politicians may have hurt feelings behind snarky remarks made through verbal sparring through media barbs and debates, but military men and women have hurt nerves called PTSD through physical sparring through war. For that, they should be honored.
Even though Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died serving in the military, it is also important to remember the millions of African slaves who were forced into servitude and endured unimaginable suffering and hardship.
Slavery played a major role in American history, and its legacy continues to impact society today. Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and justice, but it is also a time to reflect on the dark chapter of slavery in our nation’s past.
By acknowledging the history of slavery and its lasting effects, we can work towards a more just and equitable society for all. Remembering the victims of slavery on Memorial Day is a way to honor their memory and ensure that their stories are never forgotten.
So enjoy the family time, the grilling, and eating.
