It is understandable that the current generation of Americans frequently miss the significance of Memorial Day. Except for Iraq and Afghanistan–two far away conflicts–the vast majority of Americans aren’t focused on war deaths. We set aside this day to pause and remember those who kept us free and gave us this time and the future to survive and grow–individually and collectively. But there is a far greater importance to this day that is seldom mentioned. Every living creature–including us–will die. We have a relatively short time span; so the question must be asked “how do we use the time we have?” Whether you lean toward religion to answer the question or elsewhere it is a fair question “how can we best use our life?” While we honor the dead for their sacrificing “the last full measure of devotion” should we not realize that their example IS the best use of our lives as well? Not everyone must die to earn respect but giving to each other in any way possible seems to be the moral of today’s observance. Whether it’s a simple act of neighborly help, a random act of kindness or the freely surrendering of one’s life–the message is the same. WE ARE ALL HERE FOR EACH OTHER. So is it any wonder why the world is experiencing such turmoil? Imagine a society where Putin doesn’t invade Ukraine, where guns can be owned and used responsibly, where tolerance and understanding of other’s viewpoints are the rule and where people look for ways to help each other through this all-too-brief lifespan. It’s a simple standard but one we have abandoned repeatedly with dire consequences. So–as you reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day–imagine your own memorial day and ask how you would like to be remembered. If everyone took this message internally, a grass roots (pardon the pun) movement would change the goals of many people because selfishness and personal gain would not be a priority. We would all simply look for ways to help each other. It may be an impossible dream but we need to turn to that direction and begin the mental adjustment. Small steps will get us closer and today’s reflection could be used to find the better path.
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