Memorial Day weekend. Weekend? How is it that one day became a long weekend? Do American’s observe the entire weekend as Memorial Day is intended? Sadly no.  What Memorial Day has become is the unofficial beginning of summer. Most will enjoy a three-day weekend, some have taken Friday off to make it a four-day weekend. Car dealerships will have “Memorial Day Clearance Sales”. Swimming pools will open for the first time this summer.  I’ve noticed many businesses in the Tucson, Arizona area “proudly” fly a U.S. flag, but won’t bother to lower their flag to half-staff on Memorial Day. 

What is Memorial Day?  In May 1996, a group of school children were asked what Memorial Day meant.  “That’s the day the pools open,” was their response.  The day the pools open?  American’s, over the years, have lost touch with what the “Memorial” in Memorial Day is supposed to mean.  With the War on Terror being fought by brave military personnel around the globe, many Americans have learnt, some families the hard way, exactly what Memorial Day means.   

It is the day we remember all who have given “their last full measure of devotion” for our nation.  We remember those who have given their lives in combat from all wars, not just the ones we can remember, or would much rather forget.  We should not just remember the fallen, but also the families left behind.  Many are left without a brother or sister, son or daughter, husband or wife, and father or mother.   

So, how do we bring the true meaning of Memorial Day back into the hearts of Americans?  The first place to start is with you!  Some will fly their U.S. flag at half-staff until noon.  Across the country, there will be a number of Memorial Day events to attend.  Most last about an hour.  Is an hour out of your long weekend too much to ask for you to give to those who sacrificed for you? 

There’s also the National Moment of Remembrance.  Participation is easy.  At 3:00 PM, local time, on Memorial Day, May 30, 2005 simply take one minute to pause, and think about, may be say prayer, for all of have given their lives for our country, and their families. 

You can find more information about Memorial Day at http://www.remember.gov and at http://www.usmemorialday.org/.