Memorial Day Thoughts

[Laxman]

How Memorial Day Should Be Honored

"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel"- Samuel Johnson

"I submit to you sir, that it is the first"- Ambrose Bierce

Well, Memorial Day rolls around once again. All across America there will be parades and ceremonies, speeches and picnics. Politicians will expound on the great sacrifices made in defense of our freedoms. A great show of flag waving and declarations of patriotism will be made. People will be trying their best to outdo one another in displays of who is a better American.

On the other hand, Memorial Day to you might just be a great day off. The start of the summer. Time to head to the beach, barbeque some hot dogs and burgers and drink some beer.

In reality, Memorial Day isn't about picnics or poppies or parades. As much as it is always a good idea to be thankful for those who serve our country, it isn't a day about thanking veterans either. Its a day to remember the people who served our country but never came back. It's an opportunity to honor the real sacrifice that the men and women and their families have made in defense of the idea of America.

Patriotism isn't owned by the conservatives or the republicans. It is a part of every American's make-up. Likewise, the people who have died in service to our country comprise every ilk of this extremely diverse nation. Every state in this country, every ethnic group, every political stripe, every type of person who has ever called the United States home can be found in the list of casualties of every war fought from the American Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan.

What did they die for? So someone could wave a flag in their honor on a brilliant early summer day? I think not. Each of them probably had their own list of what they thought they were fighting for and what they felt was worth dying for. Each of us probably has our own. However, there are probably several that they all had in common.

I don't think the list included the right of corporations to make record profits without paying taxes or for those corporations to unduly influence the political process with unfettered donations. I don't think it was for the right to discriminate against our fellow Americans based upon their religion or place of ancestry or their sexual orientation. I don't think it was for the right of the wealthiest in our nation to enjoy the fruits of success without paying a fair share of the maintenance of a working democracy. In fact, what they felt was worth dying for was probably far different.

Blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Shinto, Atheists, conservatives, liberals, native born, immigrant, rich, poor. northerner, southerner, gay, straight, worker, executive and every other category you can think of that comprises the rich mix of the people of our country have fought together and died together throughout our history. Honoring them on Memorial Day is important. However, their intent wasn't to risk death for republicans or tea party members or white people or rich people but for Americans.

Its OK to go to a picnic or a parade or to wave the flag. It alright to have fun and enjoy a day off with friends or family. There is nothing wrong with being happy that summer is here. However, if you really want to honor the sacrifice of those who have died in service to the country do it by living the ideals of what was probably on that common list of what they died for.

Freedom of speech, tolerance of difference, participation in the political process, being a responsible member of society are far more indicative of honor for their deaths than patriotic proclamations. Do something positive. Volunteer to help others or to do things that keep our democracy functioning. Its not always easy but make a difference in a way that fulfills the ideals of America. You want to honor the people who have died for our country? Do it every day in your actions and conduct. It says a whole lot more than waving a flag or telling everyone how much you love America or how much more patriotic you are than your neighbor.

If you go to a Memorial Day ceremony this weekend or if you just think about it once or twice during your activities take a minute to put things in perspective. No one political party or ethnic group or religion or any other category that we use to divide us as a people can lay claim to what belongs to all Americans. Live it, even in the face of bigotry, intolerance and hatred or challenge. That's what honoring the sacrifices we're supposed to remember on Memorial Day really means.