Memorial Day has become somewhat of a sanctuary for most of us, has it not? I mean, a three day weekend, often spent barbecuing, boating or hitting the beach. Relaxing with family as we welcome summer with open arms.
Not to be a downer, but I'd like to remind everyone that Memorial Day wasn't founded to give hard-working American's a day off. It was established as a day to recognize the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. I love the title of an 1867 poem: "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping," about women of the South who may have been the first to recognize a day of remembrance.
I, myself, am guilty historically of letting the day pass without taking the time to remember our nation's fallen heros. And for the first time, I just realized that our country has a national "Moment of Remembrance." At 3 p.m. local time, all Americans should stop and either "informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."
Photo from http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2010/05/county_executives_will_celebra.html
So I encourage you, whatever else you are doing this Memorial Day to bring a bit of sanctuary to your lives, pause for just a moment at 3 p.m. to remember the fallen.
Have a safe & happy holiday.
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Breaths that matter...