A Sad Reality: Why So Many of Our Youth Don’t Know What Memorial Day Is

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May 30, 2011

Memorial Day is an American holiday that celebrates men and women who’ve lost their lives serving in the military. It is celebrated on the last Monday in May every year, and marks the unofficial start of summer.

How Americans Celebrate Memorial Day

Many Americans visit military cemeteries and memorial sites, then usually attend a town parade and fireworks celebration. Most celebrate with cookouts where friends and families gather, ie, backyard barbeques complete with music, decorations and even games.

How Memorial Day Differs from Veteran’s Day

Veteran’s Day is another American federal holiday set aside to honor the nation’s military service men and women. It is celebrated on November 11th every year, and it differs from Memorial Day because it honors all veterans – the living and the dead.

Little-Known Memorial Day Fact

what-is-memorial-dayDid you know that every year on Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time, a national moment of remembrance takes place?

A Sad Reality: Why So Many of Our Youth Don’t Know What Memorial Day Is

It almost made me cry when I read this story on the Chattanoogan.com about Memorial Day. A military wife describes why so many teens don’t know what this holiday is all about.

As a freelance writer, the story particularly saddened me because I thought, “Where would we be in this country without freedom of the press?”

Who ensures  freedom of the press and other civil liberties? Our military. They die for us to be able to say, write, yell and scream almost anything we want. It’s a freedom so many of us take for granted, and too many don’t have in the world.

I have several uncles who served in the Army in Vietnam, many friends in the Navy and my ex-fiance was a Marine, so the military is a part of my life. But more than that, with the current wars we’re in, the dangers our troops face daily and with July 4th looming just ahead (we wouldn’t be “independent” without the service of our troops), it unnerved and saddened me that so many of our youth don’t know what this day is really about.

So if you have a child in your life (your own, a niece, nephew, stepchild, godchild, neighbor child, etc.), while you’re enjoying that beer, wondering what to throw on the grill and looking forward to hanging out with friends and family, be sure to pull them aside and ask if they know what Memorial Day is.

If they say yes, ask them to tell you. If they don’t, be sure that you tell them what this day is REALLY about. It only takes a couple of minutes, but imparts a lifetime of knowledge and hopefully gratitude.

The last paragraph of that story in the Chattanoogan summed it up brilliantly. It stated:

“So while you’re enjoying that cold beer, a good burger, hotdog, or some old fashioned bbq, while you’re enjoying spending time with your friends and family, take time to remember some of our troops who currently aren’t enjoying any of that, because they’re deployed.

 Take time to remember some of our troops will never enjoy those things again, because they gave up their lives for our country, and for our freedom. And remember the families that will be celebrating without their brave Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine.”

Contact the Vets in Your Life

If you know a veteran — even distantly — contact them today. Send them an email, a shoutout on Facebook, a tweet on Twitter, a thank you voice mail, etc. – to let them know how much you appreciate their service.

It doesn’t matter if they served in Vietnam decades ago, or are currently deployed in Afghanistan or some other foreign land, let them know that you’re thinking about their sacrifice and appreciate all they’ve done to ensure your freedoms.

Then, enjoy your family and friends today – and be safe.


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2 Responses to “A Sad Reality: Why So Many of Our Youth Don’t Know What Memorial Day Is”

  1. Donna says:
    May 30, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    Thank you for posting this, Yuwanda.

    I have a son who is currently serving in the USAF. He was recently deployed in Qatar, and came back safe and sound. People outside the military can only imagine the relief and joyful tears that were shed at his homecoming.

    My heart goes out to the military families whose tears were, and still are, from grief. Please, if you will, do take a moment of silence to remember the fallen heroes who gave their lives so that you can enjoy this day in peace.

  2. Yuwanda says:
    May 30, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    Donna,

    I’m glad your son made it home safe. I can’t even begin to imagine the daily angst and worry of having a child/loved one deployed.

    Like you, my thoughts and prayers are with those who’ve lost loved ones — not just today, but every day.

    May God continue to bless and watch over them, and bring as many of them home to their families as possible.

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