As a combat veteran, I always feel a bit awkward when someone wishes me “Happy Memorial Day.” Oftentimes, I do not correct them because I know they mean well. The misplaced gratitude stems from a misunderstanding of what Memorial Day is all about.
The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember and honor our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who have been killed in action serving this country and its people. It is a time for somber reflection, not joy.
One of the things that I would ask you to reflect upon this Memorial Day is the sacrifice made by those whom we honor. I don’t mean just to take a few minutes to acknowledge that they died too young, then return to your grilling, water skiing, partying, or whatever. Dig deeper.
Here is a suggestion that everyone can do: Set aside 30 minutes to visit the Wall of Faces. It includes photos and memorials of all those killed in Vietnam. Pick a date — perhaps your birthday, wedding anniversary, or college graduation. Then look at the men who died on that date throughout the years of the Vietnam War.
See their photos. Read the comments by family, friends, and comrades. Then reflect on the things they forfeited. Almost all of them would now be in their 70s or 80s. They missed out on 50 to 60 years worth of joy and laughter, sorrow and tears, everything that makes up a life.
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