Memorial Day 2011: We Must Never Forget
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Remembering Memorial Day
We must never forget the sacrifices that made Memorial Day
Memorial day means a lot of things to many people. To most of us it means a three day weekend with family, friends, hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, and a dip in the ocean or the local pool. During these busy “fun” times we have a tendency to forget the real meaning of the holiday.
American identity, character, and civic life, after all, are shaped by many things, but decisive among them are our national memories of our long history, our triumphs and tragedies, our national aspirations and achievements. Crucial to the national memory are the words our forebears wrote, to show us who we are and what we might yet become. Robust citizenship is impossible without national attachment after all. National attachment is thin without national memory, and national memory depends on story, speech, and song.
We must keep in mind that human memory is a precarious critter and requires steady safekeeping. As Samuel Johnson sagely observed, “Men more frequently require to be reminded than informed.” We take things for granted. We are distracted. We allow important matters to slip from consciousness. These tendencies are exacerbated in the American republic, with its emphasis on innovation, progress, and the freedom each person has to make himself anew. Americans can enjoy our blessings of liberty, equal rights, enterprise, and religious freedom without consciously appreciating the deeds and stories of those who have made these blessings possible and who have handed them down to us. It goes without saying how collective memory is imperiled today, in an age defined by instant messaging and other enthusiasms for the ephemeral.
In conclusion, against the rushing stream of time, our national holidays are intended to be days of commemoration—not simply days for extending the weekend or getting bargain mattresses. Our holidays not only provide time for remembrance of things past. At their best, they also invigorate us in the present by attaching us to thoughts, deeds, and sentiments that can enrich our lives today and tomorrow. One among our holidays alone bears the name and the specific call to remembrance: Memorial Day.
Let this video from ArmyVeteran 101st remind us all of why we can enjoy these Memorial Day freedoms:
Please tell us in the comments section how you enjoyed your Memorial Day.
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Our day in Britain is Armistice Day. The ceremony, led by the Queen, used to be held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – the exact time that the First World War ended. It is now held on the nearest Sunday to avoid traffic congestion. Following the ceremony a march past takes place consisting entirely of veterans of all wars.
When it took place on a weekday all traffic stopped at precisely 11AM. This stopped when the ceremony was moved to Sunday but shops and offices are beginning to observe a two minute silence on the actual day.
Very interesting indeed Daniel. I enjoy reading about the traditions of other nations. Thanks.