Memorial Day

In the US today is Memorial Day, a national holiday commemorating US men and women who died while on military service. While it was moved from its original date to accommodate a three day weekend, and it’s traditionally the start of summer and the day of the Indianapolis 500, Memorial Day is still observed as a day of gratitude for those who sacrifice their all on our behalf.

Memorial Day is something commemorated in one form or another in many places around the world. In the United Kingdom there is Armistice Day, specifically remembering the day on which World War One officially ended. Where I come from in Australia we have Anzac Day, recognizing the members of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps who fought and died during a particularly bloody defeat in the Dardanelles during “the war to end all wars”.

What most of these days have in common is coming together to express thankfulness, honor and respect. The original Memorial Day was to honor the fallen Union troops of the Civil War. Over time we have come to extend our days of remembrance to include all those who have sacrificed during wartime, whatever we think of the original conflicts and causes. In Australia Turks who fought against the Australians at Gallipoli march alongside their one time enemies in commemorative parades, joined together in showing respect and regret for all death and warfare.

One of the Basic Interpersonal Skills is to “always make the effort to make things better”. One aspect of this is “being firm with the facts, and fair with the people”. Memorial Day is an occasion to think about the cost and pain of warfare. Our national days of mourning are an opportunity to show honor and respect for our past, present and future members of the military, and by extension our police, medical, fire and other services who put themselves in danger every day to serve and protect. It’s a good time to consider how we can all live so their sacrifices are properly respected.