My Memorial Day Disappointment
Muffy Bennett
Collector Car Consultants / Appraisers /Collection Management / Buyers: HusbandAndWifeCarTeam.com / Former Barrett-Jackson Executives
I’m disappointed.
Disappointed that Memorial Day appears to be losing its true meaning in my country’s culture.
"Memorial Day is the official start of summer. It’s a day off, a day to barbecue, drink beer, and participate in tent sales."
No, it's not.
I listened to two kids behind me in line recently ask a relative what Memorial Day was. The response? “I’m not sure, but I do know it’s the day you can start wearing white. . .”
It took considerable effort on my part to keep from turning around and saying something snarky.
Both of my grandfathers were in the Air Force; one retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, the other a Lieutenant Colonel. Outwardly, both seemed stern, but I somehow managed to crack them open and catch a glimpse inside. I am grateful I did.
Growing up, it was never a matter of if we went, but to which cemetery we went to on Memorial Day to honor those who had died in battle.
One Memorial Day as a child I accompanied my paternal grandfather to the cemetery. He was a particularly stoic man.
As we walked through the cemetery, he lost his fight against tears. Unable to handle seeing my grandfather cry, I began an awkward barrage of questions. I finally broke down in empathetic tears myself as he squeezed the stuffing out of me among the rows of unknown soldiers’ graves.
Only in my age have I realized that behind his gruff exterior laid an ocean of survivor’s guilt from World War II.
Sure, many people use the day the way they think it was meant to be used: to pause and remember those who paid the price of our freedom, and then proceed to enjoy those freedoms. But am I alone in seeing that hardly anyone stops to pause, let alone remember?
The meaning of the day seems to be dwindling amongst the general public. The only ones that do appear to hold the true meaning are those who know, love, or have lost a soldier.
It’s the one day set aside to represent the cost of freedom. And as I look around, all I seem to see is a day at the beach, and a keg of beer.
I ask you this: Please pause. This is the day to remember the soldiers who lived and died for our beloved country. It is our responsibility to pay tribute to them - and the sacrifices their families made in losing them - by remembering. If you pray, stop and thank God for creating those who died for you.
As one great man put it: "it is the fallen soldiers’ blood that has become the seed of our freedom’s tree."
Share if you are so inclined.
Muffy Bennett, CEO, Bennett Automotive Specialists, Inc.
Director, Processing at Atlas Van Lines
7 年Atlas Van Lines lowered their flag in honor our Armed Forces. Also, each year our church has a special service to remember & pray for all those that have served & are serving to keep our freedoms. We place flags on all graves in our church cemetery & read General John Logan's declaration for Decoration Day. I am proud Atlas & Bethlehem UCC are keeping the true meaning alive!
Retired at Raytheon
7 年You are right to some extent. However, as a member of American Legion Post 234 Honor Guard marching in the Memorial Day parade I was privileged to see the response of several hundred marchers and spectators again this year. Grassroots Americans have not forgotten.
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7 年Don't be too disappointed Muffy! There are still those of us that do and did pray yesterday for our fallen heroes and that they may be resting in pure peace and light. Thank you for reminding those who do not know the significance of this very important day.
Vice President of Fleet Maintenance at Truline Corporation
7 年I went on a bicycle ride with my wife on Memorial Day. I only seen 2 flags at half staff a including the one at my house . Very sad.
Business Owner at Priority Electric LLC of North Iowa
7 年Thank you for expressing this. I share this sentiment. My grandfather served in WW2. He was very tight lipped over the years after his return. This seemed to be the case with many of his contemporaries which I think led to many in our generation unable to recognize the sacrifices made and horrors experienced because the stories weren't told Until much later and usually by others. It wasn't until after he passed away did I learn of his contributions during his service. After hearing many stories I learned a valuable lesson. True men and women of honor will not impose there experiences, good or bad, upon others. It is incumbent upon others to ask and listen. Express genuine concern for the wellbeing of those who have voluntarily given up their own liberty, peace and security for a time to reinforce and secure ours. Thank you Service men and women of all eras. Because of your code of honor and commitment, my family and I have been able to grow up during the longest time of peace in recent history. Thank you.