Some pondering questions about Memorial Day

 First:

On Monday, May 29, 2023, Memorial Day will be observed in the United States. While many will enjoy the day off with BBQs and pool parties, some may also be curious to learn about the history and significance of this solemn occasion. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served and honor their memory.

But:

How much of Memorial Day has become about BBQs and pool parties vs reflecting on the sacrifices?

Sort of like Christmas being about time off work, presents, and turkey rather than about Christ.

Next:

Many historians agree that Memorial Day originated during or shortly after the Civil War. Although it is unclear which specific location first began celebrating, the tradition was established as a means of honoring fallen soldiers.

 Today three states, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina, celebrate Confederate Memorial Day as a public holiday. Other states, including Kentucky, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee, also have a day to commemorate the Confederacy, but state offices remain open.

Question:

Should southern states STILL be honoring the Confederacy? If Americans want to still remember the fallen of the Civil War, should it not be just ONE remembrance, not a special one for fallen Confederate soldiers? Or is there a justification for this?

Also:

While remembering the American fallen is a laudable exercise, what about the fallen of other nations? I personally like the German model:

Volkstrauertag (German for "people's day of mourning") is a commemoration day in Germany two Sundays before the first day of Advent. It commemorates members of the armed forces of all nations and civilians who died in armed conflicts, to include victims of violent oppression.

You see, the "bad guys" can't honor their fallen since they were the "bad guys." So this is one way around it for Germany. 

Finally: 

The U.S. is my birth nation, and while Canada is now my adopted country, I will wear the poppy both this Monday and on Nov.11 - Canada's Remembrance Day. My son was born and raised in Canada and thus is a Canadian citizen.

We used to attend a local Legion on Nov. 11, but he had this attitude: Why are we making such a fuss about the fallen from past wars while ignoring the suffering of veterans from current wars?

Does he have a point?

Our military service members commit themselves to their nation and comrades, believing that what they do assists, protects, and defends our nation, often placing themselves in harm’s way. As a result, many service members suffer mental health challenges. 

Those who served deserve only the best when it comes to mental health support, but many are hesitant to seek the help they need after experiencing traumatic events. Because of the perceived social stigma that comes with seeking mental health support, many veterans suffer in silence. 

https://www.impactingourfuture.com/empowering-our-veterans/veterans-are-hiding-in-public-while-suffering-in-silence/

Either way folks - whether this Memorial Day is a true remembrance for you or whether you use the occasion to have a big party, everyone enjoy your weekend, as I intend to do, and may the weather Gods smile on you. 😊 




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