Memorial Day is for remembering those who died while serving in our country’s armed forces. It is the only holiday dedicated to people who died while serving, not to be confused with Veterans Day which celebrates the service of all US military veterans or Armed Forces Day which specifically honors those currently serving.

To truly remember fallen heroes, we must ask ourselves why they died. Every conflict has its own story and the US has surely been party to conflicts that can’t be justified, but that has nothing to do with the people who died. What did they die for?

It’s safe to say that we all have spent some time over the past year asking ourselves what our country stands for. We took a lot for granted prior to Trump’s election, but we would not have had that luxury if not for the sacrifices of the brave men and women who gave their lives, so we could be free.

Is that why they sacrificed their lives? Was it for freedom? Was it for a set of ideals that make up what we stand for as a country? Was it for the flag or the National Anthem?

Obviously, we can never know what was in each soldier’s heart. It really makes you think. What would it take for you to sacrifice your life? Our current President believes some soldiers gave their life to protect our National Anthem. You’ve seen the headlines. Neither the President, nor the owners of a professional sports team could possibly understand that kind of sacrifice. Their families don’t fight our wars and therefore don’t die in them. That’s someone else’s job.

What would people give their lives for? What do people want? People are incredibly complex and incredibly simple at the same time. People want take care of the ones they love. They want their loved ones to be happy. They want their loved ones to be healthy. They want their loved ones to be safe. They want their loved ones to be free. That is simple and honorable. That’s worth sacrificing everything for.

Don’t say Happy Memorial Day.

It’s not a “happy” day.

It’s a day of remembrance for our fallen soldiers.

Visit a military cemetery, bring some flowers, and say Thank You!

The Seattle Times put together a comprehensive list of Memorial Day events.

Here is a link:

https://www.seattletimes.com/…/memorial-day-gatherings-acr…/