Image by Hans Bijstra from Pixabay
Memorial Day weekend is often seen as the unofficial start of summer. Folks fire up the grill, hit the lake, and enjoy a much-needed day off. But before we toss on our shades and crack open the cold drinks, it’s worth remembering what Memorial Day is really about.
This holiday isn’t a celebration—it’s a day of remembrance.
So, What Is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It began after the Civil War and was originally known as Decoration Day. People would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags, taking time to reflect on their sacrifices.
Over time, the name changed, the meaning shifted, and somewhere along the way, it became more associated with long weekends and storewide sales than with military remembrance.
Image by Clarence Alford from Pixabay
Why It Still Matters
Now, this ain’t meant to guilt-trip anybody for enjoying the day. But we can hold both things at once: gratitude and good times. You can be at a cookout and still take a moment to pause. Maybe it’s during the National Anthem or while seeing a flag at half-staff. It’s about balance and a little perspective.
Ways to Honor Memorial Day (Without Killing the Vibe)
- Visit a local memorial or cemetery
- Watch a documentary or read a short story about a fallen hero
- Support a veteran-owned business
- Post a respectful tribute on social media
- Take part in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM local time
None of that has to be heavy or overdone. It’s just a small nod to the folks who gave it all.
War memorial
Remember, It’s Not Veterans Day
This is a common mix-up. Veterans Day in November honors all who have served. Memorial Day is specifically for those who died in service. It’s a subtle difference, but it matters—especially to military families.
Final Thoughts
It’s absolutely okay to enjoy your day off. Sleep in. Eat ribs. Take the boat out. But somewhere in between bites and laughter, take a minute to remember why that freedom exists in the first place.
Because while most of us get to enjoy the day, some families carry the weight of it.
Let’s not forget them.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.