Thank a Gold Star Family This Memorial Day

Originally called Decoration Day, is our National Day of Remembrance for those that have fought so valiantly and died for our country in every war since the Civil War. On this day, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their own lives in defense of our country and her values.

This one day, everyone puts aside any petty bickering to come together as Americans to support our War dead. It is so foreign, to so many people, what it means to serve and sacrifice. Just ask a Gold Star family of the meaning of sacrifice. These families have lost loved ones in battle and are proud of what their families contributed for freedom & democracy.

I bet if you asked 10 people on the street what a Gold Star Family is, probably three might actually know. This is unacceptable behavior. We should cherish our Gold Star Families, for without them and their loved one’s sacrifice, we might not live in our peace-loving society & democracy we enjoy today. In fact, if you asked people what Memorial Day means to them, they might say the great sales at all of the stores they go to. I would hope that that is not the case. 

Memorial Day was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on both Union & Confederate graves at Arlington National Cemetery. In December 2000, a law was passed requiring all Americans to have a National Moment of Remembrance, which asks that at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, for all Americans to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.

Sadly, I don’t know too many of my neighbors that pause and reflect at that time to remember our war dead and their sacrifice. Maybe by printing this article, it would stir up some emotion and make people realize what this day is all about. I am optimistic that people will learn about the true meaning of Memorial Day and pay tribute to those people who have died for their country. Don’t forget to thank a Veteran, but on Memorial Day, seek out and thank members of a Gold Star Family!