Has the meaning of Memorial Day changed or have we, as a society?

It should be noted that holidays often change over time – get renamed, reused, replaced.

Memorial Day was once Decoration Day, which honored the Civil War dead, but even before it was added to the calendar, the holiday’s roots came from freed slaves making graves for Union soldiers.

So, the holiday has always honored military sacrifice, and always paid tribute to the often high cost of freedom.

Over time, it became a day when people would refresh gravestones of friends and family. It’s also kind of viewed as the unofficial kick off to summer.

Camping, fishing, grilling, boating, partying, drinking.

This isn’t a guilt trip. Oklahomans work hard, they don’t get a lot of breaks and you take what you can get in that regard. But, Memorial Day, specifically when you think about why you’re getting the time off, should be remembered as honoring those in our country who died during military service. It’s a sacrifice shared by the friends and families who survive to grieve.

Our thanks to the local veterans’ groups and volunteers who keep reminding us of what it means to observe Memorial Day.

For those who might be using the time off to travel or get on the water, please be safe. Alcohol consumption and water craft is a bad combination. Please be safe and responsible this weekend.

The Norman Transcript

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