I saw many well meaning people, even military people, saying "Happy Memorial Day". I myself said it once today, early in the day, and though I don't generally feel comfortable with the "Happy" part, learned to watch myself after reading of the pain that it was bringing to those who have suffered the loss of a hero. (it is not just their loss but ours as well).
Memorial Day is set aside to honor the lives lost in battle. It is a solemn and heartwretching time. Our culture now does not do solemn. We have become a somewhat more shallow people, who shy away from the reality of pain.
We are seriously not serious about much. Contemporary people like casual. It has become , like any of our holidays,we want to be "Happy", yet I think that we find it even more elusive than ever.
In our solemn ceremonies of the past, we became deeper people. In solemn ceremonies, children learn reverence and awe, and to be silent. We have become a nation of " feel good" no matter what. We also do not do things together as a nation, in the past everyone participated in things,(think about how we came together in WWII) , but now we do our own thing.
I am not reprimanding anyone here. I went bike riding in the park and had a very pleasant picnic on memorial day...I found some time to contemplate the truth of it, and tears for those who must live with the grief of losing a loved one, but I certainly did not give it the weight that it deserved.
I honestly think that it is hard to have a day that we think the unthinkable. As the mother of a soldier, I for one do not relish spending the day considering the probability that my son may never come home. There, I think that is one reason we do not want to give it the weight it deserves..it just downright feels too heavy.
I pray that those who are shouldering that burden forgive me. Forgive me for the weakness of not even placing my heart for a day in the realm of possibility that you live in everyday. Please accept my apology and know that I honor the sacrifice of your son, or daughter, husband, wife or father, or mother. I ask that God will make me deeper, and let me spend one day a year, with the ache of loss for those brave Americans who have given all for me.
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2 comments:
I'm so glad I stopped by. I've often wondered about "happy" memorial day too - if indeed we're "celebrating" the day in rememberance we should be sobered and on our knees thanking God for the soldiers who have given their lives and for those who are currently working to keep us safe.
Unfortunately I do think most people don't even know what the day is for - it really is just another day off work and a time to party. Very sad.
Thank you for this...
Great post. While I find myself saying "Happy Memorial Day" in response to others wishing me the same, it always feel like an oxymoron.
When I was young, my hometown had (and still does)a parade. Sometimes I was on the sidelines cheering and waving, other times I was marching with various organizations. My father marches with the VFW as he is a Navy WW II vet when his health lets him participate. Part of the parade was stopping at the two cemeteries in town, one for the township and one that was run by one of the Catholic churches. Prayers and thanks were given and a 21-gun salute was rendered. I was happy to hear that the town still includes those stops in the parades even today.
With my husband in the Army and getting ready to deploy, I don't want to think about him possibly not coming home even though that could very well happen. This year, I spent the holiday at home, reflecting on the past of my childhood and the reality of this year's Memorial Day. For me, this holiday has totally changed from "the first weekend of summer" to one that makes me even more aware of the sacrifices given by our military men and women and their families.
Beth
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