In Remberance....

I often wonder how many people truly know and understand the significance of Memorial Day...especially when someone says, "Happy Memorial Day".
Memorial Day is suppose to be a day to remember those who lost their lives in service to our country.  It has been in observance since the civil war...with the North and South actually celebrating on different days.  The first official observance of Memorial Day was may 30, 1868.  Memorial Day is supposed to be May 30th, but in 1971 the National Holiday act moved it to the last Monday of May to ensure a three day weekend for federal holidays.  Personally, I think this only helped to diminish the reverence of the holiday.   It is our job to pass on to the next generation...Memorial Day is NOT a celebration or just another day off.  If is a time to remember and honor those who sacrificed for our freedom.  It is a time to remember the heroes. 
Now, I am not saying we shouldn't celebrate...we should...we should celebrate their lives and the gift they gave us...FREEDOM.  We should be glad their were men and women who would do that for us. 
Yes, we can have your cookouts, parades, parties and fireworks...but remember who gave up in order for you to continue to have these freedoms.  Take some time out of your celebrating to honor them.  Visit a cemetery(it is truly moving to see the flags in Arlington National Cemetery), fly your flag properly on Memorial Day (half staff until noon in rememberance, then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day in a show of strength of our nation), wear a red poppy on your lapel, attend a memorial ceremony or service.  Then enjoy your time with your family and friends, then enjoy the freedoms that are given to you by the sacrifices of those fallen men and women.