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Health & Fitness

Memorial Day: More Than Just a Holiday

The true meaning of Memorial Day often gets lost in our quest for leisurely holiday festivities.

With Memorial Day around the corner, many have been planning how to fill their long weekend ahead.  Some are buzzing about barbecues, since the weather seems promising.  Others have already clipped their coupons to take advantage of some so-called deals.  It all sounds like another typical holiday weekend.  Or, does it? 

The true meaning of Memorial Day…

If asked, the survivors of our fallen heroes would probably say that their soldiers’ spirits are forever floating about their minds.  To them, Memorial Day is an additional day of remembrance for their loved ones who have died serving this country.  So, what of the rest of us?  When was the last time we honored, thought of or even prayed for the dead in the battlefields? No matter what triggered the creation of this solemn day (Nobody knows for sure how Memorial Day started), the rest of us who never lived such a loss ought to stop in our track at some point over this weekend to pay our respect. 

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In fact, on May 2, 2000, the resolution, “National Moment of Remembrance”, was passed requesting that all Americans pause from their activities at 3 pm local time, to observe a moment of silence.  This initiative clearly aimed to bring the true meaning of Memorial Day to our national consciousness.

In the end, no matter what our plans are for this weekend, we must all do our part.  To be alive and free while millions have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, that’s the least we can do.

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So, what will you do to honor our fallen soldiers on Memorial Day?

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