Today is Memorial Day.
For many Americans, this national holiday signals a trip to the beach, picnics, family outings and the opening of the local swimming pool. We often focus on what task of relaxation or fun we might engage ourselves. For years, I, too, have been one to prioritize the day with an agenda of recreation. But is that all this day is really about? I got up early this morning with a mission to make this particular day more memorable.
In the city in which I live, there is a memorial honoring the veterans of every branch of the United States military. It is called: The Carolina Field of Honor. I thought it would be the ideal day to experience this commemorative site. Assuming there would be an abundance of crowds, I pulled into the parking lot rather early. There was nearly no one present.
As I approached the site, I was greeted by a colonnade of American flags. Each flying half-staff in honor of the day. Each flag was from a different moment in our nation’s history. I was amazed how many different flags there have been in nearly 239 years. Passing through this, I entered the actual monument, itself.
The walkway is composed of engraved granite tiles. Many expressing words of reverence and pride. Like a mini-version of DC’s Washington Monument, it is a large obelisk. Its base roars with the sound of cascading water, as a fountain in continuous motion creates an energy full of memories and emotions.
The circumference of this walk is framed by individual monoliths of stone, each dedicated to a different division of the armed forces and a war faught. Each marker expresses the thoughts or wise words of an individual whose history is synonymous with America’s military leadership. As I took the time to read many of these quotes, the importance of this day quickly came into view. My fast pace began to slow as my mind filled with contemplation.
Many of the stone pavers, within the walkway, have been placed in memory of a loved one who has served in the armed forces. My eyes glazed as I read one marker in particular. Along with the name and dates of life for this soldier, it said: “Husband, Brother, Friend, and Our Daddy.” The soldier was only 26 years old when he paid the ultimate price to provide us with freedom. My eyes filled with tears as I walked back to my car.
Heading home, my mind resonated with a quote by President George Washington: “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation”.
Lest we forget what this day is truly about. For me, it was a most memorable day.
This was a Moment in America.
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