Home » Memorial Day, More Than The Kick Off Of Summer!

Many of us don't really stop to think about  what the true meaning of Memorial Day is all about.

 

We are too busy caught up with our own lives, the hectic schedules we have, trying to juggle multiple tasks at one time, so when a three day weekend comes, we look forward to a day that we won't have to turn the alarm clock off, get the kids ready for school or daycare, get to our jobs and then worry about after school programs, getting there on time to pick the kids up,  or what we are planning for dinner that evening.  We talk to family and friends about getting together for a BBQ, or a day planned at the pool or beach, because afterall, Memorial Day is the start of summer, isn't it?

 

How many of us really take the time to remember those who have fought in wars and have lost their lives defending our country, giving us the right to plan all these events, without anyone telling us we couldn't! 

 

Memorial Day is also a day to remember those who came back, and honor them for putting their lives on the line.   What about those, who came back with serious injuries that have altered their lives forever.   It is a shame that we don't think about how their lives have changed as well.  How their families worried about getting their loved ones home and how they are coping with life back home.  For those who lost loved ones, Memorial Day is not just a three day weekend.  It is a reminder of someone they loved who are not with them celebrating that day and  the beginning of summer.

 

It is easy for someone to say, they understand how a military family feels but I believe unless you are in their shoes, you can't possibly understand what every member of their family is going through and how they are feeling.  I think that they too are hero's and that they should be recognized for their strength and courage just keeping things going when their Son, Daughter, Father, Mother, Sister, Brother or anyone else they love is fighting to protect our freedom here. 

 

Take the time to say a silent prayer this Memorial Day and think about those who were lost, those who lives were changed and even those who fortunate enough to come back without any physical injuries. 

 

We take our freedom for granted and we should always respect and admire those who bravely fought in any war.  You may not believe in war, or argue why a war was started in the first place but the reality is that we don't live in a perfect world. Maybe someday we will all get it and we will finally have peace!

 

Iris S. Taub

Parkland, Florida