This is Memorial Day weekend. If COVID-19 had not changed society the majority of America would be out celebrating.
Let’s put the word “celebrate” into context. Memorial Day is a day we remember over 1.1 million men and women whom have died serving this great country. Should we celebrate that? The answer is an emphatic YES with an asterisk*. Let me explain.
Each and every member freely and without reservation joined the United States Military. They actually took an oath that states the following:
I,_______, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and those appointed over me, according to the Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
The officers oath is a little different.
Even though Monday is a somber day we should still celebrate the bravery of our great Veterans that have perished defending our freedom.
Interesting facts about Memorial Day:
1) It was originally called Decoration Day.
2) Memorial Day was originally designed to honor just Civil War veterans in which over 500,000 men and women died.
3) On Memorial Day, the proper way to raise the flag is first to raise it quickly to the top, then slowly lower it to half-mast until noon, then back to the top (full mast) for the rest of the day.
4) Many will have a barbecue on this holiday. This tradition started by people going to the battlefield or burial locations in which their loved ones perished for a picnic and remembrance.
5) In the year 2000, Congress passed the National Monument of Remembrance Act, which requires all Americans to take a moment of silence at 3:00pm on Memorial Day in remembrance for those that died while serving.
Will you join me in doing the same?
torreygarrison 