Monday, May 26, 2014

Memorial Day: Don't Thank Me For My Service

Memorial Day, has begun to lose its significance. It is becoming Christmas without the nativity; Thanksgiving without family and thanks. Memorial Day, previously known as Decoration Day, is a day set aside after the Civil War to honor our war dead. Unfortunately, somber reflection on the cost of our freedom and the price paid by those who never came home has been replaced by spirited discussion about holiday sales and the merits of white pants.

"So what?" you ask. It's important because Memorial Day isn't about military service, although many people will make that mistake today and thank me for my service. It's about military sacrifice. We don't talk about the latter as often because it makes us uncomfortable. We choose to shield our children from that horrific reality. The reason the distinction between service and sacrifice is important is because service doesn't provide...continue reading.

-- Jake Wood