Imagine how unsafe you would feel if your town had no police department. Now, imagine how unsafe you would feel if the United States had no military. Now, imagine how you would feel if your country called upon you to defend it and all its citizens. If you had to, could you be a policeman or serve in the military or are you content to let someone else do it? I guess the question I'm asking is whether or not you would risk your life to protect your neighbors or your country? If not, how would you show your gratitude to those who do?
Memorial Day used to be a big deal. We honored those who gave their lives in defense of their country and fellow citizens, Some volunteered and some were compelled but each paid the ultimate price so that others could be safe. Today, Memorial Day has become a day off from work, a day at the beach, the opening of the pool or gigantic sales at the mall. Generations of Americans know nothing about the true meaning of the day and have no respect for the sacrifice made by those we honor and for the families from which they came.
If you are an adult who hasn't reflected upon the true meaning, please, begin now and instruct your children. Only if you know what the price has been for what we have today can you appreciate its value. It isn't something everyone else has and there is no guarantee that we will always have it without men and women who will defend it. Even those who return safely from conflicts pay a dear price but the fallen have given themselves totally for us.
This is one of those holidays when wishing someone a "Happy Holiday" is inappropriate. It's a solemn day when we need to recognize the heroes who have preserved our freedom. They did not play the role of conquerors but of freedom fighters and peace makers. We owe them everything.
Memorial Day used to be a big deal. We honored those who gave their lives in defense of their country and fellow citizens, Some volunteered and some were compelled but each paid the ultimate price so that others could be safe. Today, Memorial Day has become a day off from work, a day at the beach, the opening of the pool or gigantic sales at the mall. Generations of Americans know nothing about the true meaning of the day and have no respect for the sacrifice made by those we honor and for the families from which they came.
If you are an adult who hasn't reflected upon the true meaning, please, begin now and instruct your children. Only if you know what the price has been for what we have today can you appreciate its value. It isn't something everyone else has and there is no guarantee that we will always have it without men and women who will defend it. Even those who return safely from conflicts pay a dear price but the fallen have given themselves totally for us.
This is one of those holidays when wishing someone a "Happy Holiday" is inappropriate. It's a solemn day when we need to recognize the heroes who have preserved our freedom. They did not play the role of conquerors but of freedom fighters and peace makers. We owe them everything.
No comments:
Post a Comment