What is Memorial Day?
“Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May.” That is the official description.
As veterans and Gold Star Parents, it means so much more to us. Our son Christopher died in service to his country in 2012. The one thing we want you to remember about this special day is there is nothing “happy” about it. It is a day to remember their sacrifice. So, please do not say “Happy Memorial Day.” A better greeting would be “We Remember.”
It shouldn’t be a time for great sales and start-of-summer celebrations. Do not thank us for our service as veterans, that is Veteran's Day [Nov. 11]. This day is to remember those who gave their all. Do not thank those currently serving their country on this day, that is Armed Forces Day [the third Saturday in May].
What you should do is visit a cemetery and pay your respects. Read the names on the headstones aloud, think about the battles they may have seen, the service they gave to their country. Try to live your life as a patriot, like these brave men and women.
Place flags upon their headstones,
leave a coin letting their loved ones know you were there. Visit a Memorial to the Fallen and thank those names upon it for their sacrifice.
Then have your start-of-summer celebrations, remembering you are free to celebrate because of those brave souls.
Mary and Bob Patterson
Gold Star Parents of Christopher A. Patterson, KIA Jan. 6, 2012
