Remember their last full measure and rejoice

A little history for those who might be unaware of how the tradition of Memorial Day began. Ask your kids to watch it, sit through it yourself in case there's something you don't know and don't forget — at 15h00L (3pm local time) we should all be observing a moment of remembrance.

Funerals like this have been seen tens of thousands of times over the decades. However, you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying the day, no matter what you see over and over again on social media. You shouldn't eschew barbecues and family gatherings and happiness that it's the beginning of Summer, not if you understand why it is you have the luxury of doing so.   But, don't be the one who can't be bothered to spare a thought or a few minutes of your time today either. Maybe say a prayer for the families of the ones we've lost; theirs is no doubt the heaviest burden.

If there was ever a holiday made for both solemnity and rejoicing, this one is it. Don't do one without the other.

“…in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”   Abraham Lincoln

“Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It's a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It's a day to be with the family and remember.” Ronald Reagan 

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