Memorial Day
Friday, May 25, 2007 
If you have plans for Memorial Day, they’re probably already in full swing, especially if they include traveling – which for many people, they do. Even if you’re not going out of town, the beach, a barbecue, or some other festive form of fun and relaxation may be calling your name, because that’s what one generally does.
Which is ironic, because this day of remembrance is certainly not about being festive. Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember those who died while serving in the armed forces. Although the original date of observance was May 30, in 1971 Congress changed the day of recognition to the last Monday in May, creating the 3-day weekend that is now the symbolic beginning of summer. Many people these days spend little, if any, time on this holiday weekend doing anything remotely connected to its original purpose.
A movement began in the 1990s to restore the day’s dignity and remind people of its true purpose by changing its date back to May 30. That would, of course, do away with the 3-day weekend for the most part, except in those years that it fell on a Friday or Monday. For those of us who’ve grown up taking the opportunity to get the hell out of Dodge, that would be awful. But one can see the point – especially this year, when soldiers continue to die overseas even as we embark on our long weekend journeys.
This year, if you can and are so inclined, take a moment to reflect on the death of a soldier. You may even want to share some history with your kids, if they’re old enough. You may not support this war, or any war, for that matter, and we’re not espousing any political stance. But a moment of silent respect – not to mention the passing down of history – isn’t a bad thing for us to engage in, or to teach our children. Because life isn’t always a day at the beach.
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