WHAT DOES MEMORIAL DAY MEAN TO YOU?

A Remembrance and Reflection on Memorial Day.

As we wake up today to spend time with our families and friends and enjoy the day together, we have to take the time to remember what Memorial Day is really about. According to History.com, the definition of Memorial Day is, “an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.” Now, everyone has a different way of celebrating this holiday, and Memorial Day also has a different meaning for every person. We asked our team, What does Memorial Day mean to you? Here is what Memorial Day means to some within Team CANA:

“Remembering and Honoring those who have given all in defense of this country. I usually visit a Veterans Cemetery with a group and plant flags in remembrance. I have too many friends who were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, so I try to call their widows or relatives and just let them know I am still thinking about them.”

“I reflect on the first time I walked the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC - it truly was quieter there, I swear I heard nothing - no vehicles, no voices, no birds. Just hushed quiet. I touched many of the names, not knowing any of them, but realizing as I ran my hand over the names that these were people who died in service to our nation. I cried a bit, and it was still quiet. I don't ever want to forget nor be grateful for their ultimate sacrifice, whether or not I agree with the reasons for our country engaging in the war or the conflict.”

“More often than not, we have joined our friends in a Ride to Remember. They lost their eldest son in the war in Iraq and we all have lost a number of friends who gave their all.”

“A reminder that the freedom of today rode on the backs of those before us.”

“I admit it's not much, but it is near where I live so try and get over to Grandview Cemetery and take a drive through it to look at all the flags people post there to honor the fallen buried there and elsewhere. Just to give a silent thanks to the some I knew and many I did not.

We will go throughout this holiday weekend catching up with people around us, and we remember it as a day of community and relaxation. But we ask that you think of this day as a time not only to remember but also to reflect on why we have a Memorial Day, why we get together with our family and friends, and ask yourself and your loved ones, What does memorial day mean to you?

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CANA Advisors is a veteran-owned, woman-owned, equal opportunity company based out of Gainesville, Virginia in the United States of America.