I see a lot of memes out there regarding Memorial Day.  The memes strongly admonish folks out there with messages such as, “It’s not just about BBQ’s” or “Just in case you forgot!” kinds of things. I used to happily post these myself but now I don’t anymore. Why? Well, I fear the actual message of Memorial Day will be lost, or any holiday where we take time to remember those that we have lost. A lot of times these memes just serve in angering someone else whether that be the poster of the meme, or the receiver of one.

The true message of Memorial Day is gentle and kind, but strong, “Please don’t forget me. Let my life have mattered.”

And there are so many ways, small acts or big ones, that we can make today matter for those men and women who died in battle, away from their families and friends at home. We can start with offering comfort to the widow and the orphan, those left behind, one of the most purest acts. We can watch a documentary, we can read an article online, we can visit a cemetery or national monument. We can simply take a few moments of silence. We can write. We could reconnect with friends and family. So many ways to say to these men and women, today I honor you. Today, I remember.
And to all of you on here who may have lost a family member or friend, I send you comfort, and I will never forget.
Thank you.