This Memorial Day, let’s remember the reason for the holiday | PennLive Editorial

This weekend, we are called to do one simple thing: to remember.

We are called to stop at some point during the weekend festivities and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have died to protect our nation. There’s nothing wrong whatsoever with enjoying the backyard barbecues, the sunshine and sand at the beach and even the Arts Fest along the river in Harrisburg. But let’s not forget to stop at some point to remember and pay homage to those who are not here to enjoy the festivities.

Let’s take time to remember those who gave their all so that we could eat hot dogs and get sunburned on Memorial Day.

Camp Hill held a Memorial Service in the Camp Hill Cemetery following a Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 30, 2022. Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLiveVicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive

Our nation began to set aside a day to commemorate fallen soldiers after the Civil War. It was originally known as Decoration Day to honor Union Army soldiers who died in that brutal war. Over the years, the Monday morphed into a weekend commemoration that now pays respect to all military personnel who died in service to the nation.

For decades, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, but in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which slated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees and a long holiday for us all.

Memorial Day also has become the official start of summer. And, as with Christmas, the true meaning of the day can be lost in all the hoopla, fun and commercialism. It’s hard to miss all those Memorial Day sales events.

And as with Christmas, it’s important to break away at some point, reflect and reconnect with the true meaning of the holiday.

The Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Day Program was held in the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial on Sunday, May 29, 2022. Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLiveVicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive

Memorial Day is a solemn time for many families, especially for those still grieving. Thousand are.

It is a solemn time for many veterans who bear the brutal wounds of war, both mental and physical. They, too, sacrificed greatly, and continue to suffer. They deserve to be remembered and honored on Memorial Day.

Not only must we remember the wounded and the fallen, but we must take time to remember the loved ones left behind. We owe a debt to the sacrifice of so many families who lost fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, cherished aunts, and uncles. These families can never forget the pain and trauma of war, and we should never forget, either.

Veteran Joe Cuvo, Easton Memorial Day Council President, waves during ceremonies in Easton as Phillipsburg and Easton observe Memorial Day with ceremonies on May 30, 2022.Tim Wynkoop | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

As we seek to honor those who died or suffered grave injuries in service to our country, we must also remember the ravages of war and the pain felt on the other side of the battlefield. War brings devastation to all sides. Innocents suffer in war, on all sides.

Memorial Day is a reminder of war’s brutality and why it should be the last resort, when all efforts at diplomacy and peace have failed.

This Memorial Day let’s make sure we remember the true meaning of the holiday. Let’s take time to remember the fallen heroes, wounded veterans and their families. Let’s take time to salute all veterans who have served our country with distinction.

Let’s remember to send up prayers for those in harm’s way, serving around the world today.

And let’s recommit to doing all within our power to not have to send our young sons and daughters to face the ravages of war and the tragedy of death on the battlefield.