When any patriotic holiday comes up, well-meaning citizens post things on social media like, “Thank you to all who served!” or display tributes to their friends and family members serving in the military. And that’s absolutely honorable; the sacrifices our armed forces members and their families make in service to our country deserve recognition and respect. But there is one patriotic holiday that is routinely misunderstood.
Memorial Day.
Memorial Day, recognized on the last Monday of May, isn’t just another day to celebrate our country. Nor is it simply the unofficial start of summer, a great long camping weekend, or a perfect day for a barbecue. Memorial Day is a somber holiday where we remember (in memoriam) those who have died while performing their military duties. We remember military members who have died in wars or conflicts. Those who lost their lives here at home while doing their jobs. And while those who currently serve, previously served (but are still living), or those who served honorably and are no longer with us (but did not die in military service) deserve recognition, doing so on Memorial Day is disrespectful to the holiday and its intended honorees.
Veterans Day (November 11th) is set aside to honor all veterans and those currently serving in the military. Of course, recognizing military veterans does not have to be limited to one day a year. Feel free to honor them any day – but please refrain from doing so on Memorial Day which has a solemn, singular purpose despite its reputation for camping and cookouts.
Wondering what you can do to make Memorial Day meaningful in a way that honors its intent? See the ideas below!
Ways to Pause and Remember On Memorial Day
Memorial Day – A Day to Remember
