Memorial Day from an Old Guy

It took many years to appreciate the significance of Memorial Day. We were told in school what it meant, but in later years we grew an understanding that Memorial Day was all about remembering and honoring those people who gave their lives so our nation would survive, prosper and be a beacon of freedom through democracy. That mission is more complicated than it looks. Young minds don’t grasp the meaning of that complex.

With the loss of friends and loved ones – or people close to those lost – we begin to sense the meaning of death. Of loss. But then we grapple with the why they lost their lives, then how. Violence is the most common means. Usually violence through war. But death can come from many causes, not all violent. Just shortened life span.

Sacrifice on the part of the honored one is another element to understand. They gave up freedoms we enjoy in order to preserve our way of life, our freedoms, our governance system. Yes, our creed, too. We believe free people make good choices on questions of governance: elected representatives, elected or appointment officials, key referenda policies presented for vote, and so forth. Making certain that free people exist broadly in our society is a critical element of our democracy. Democracy itself is the method free people take action for all of us. Whether we agree with the specifics or not, we make a decision knowing that it is good for the nation or region. We place self-interest aside so the primary self-interest – freedom and democratic processes – can survive and function well.

The outcome is so important that people sacrifice their own interests for the common good.

That part of our creed seems to be missing these days. Our elected officials mostly argue among themselves, present false facts and opinions, and campaign to confuse voters rather than educate them to understand and support common good measures.

We are losing our freedoms as legislation chips away at regulations and laws. Abortion is one of those freedoms of the individual. Contraception is being toyed with at present, another freedom that may soon be lost. Being yourself in your own uniqueness born within, not chosen, is yet another freedom threatened: gender orientation, color, nationality, disability, malformed bodies, etc.  We could name many differences that others feel superior over, and then legislate to boost their own sense of superiority.

Basic, elemental freedoms are important to us individually and as a nation. Encouraging voter participation and education should be high on our to-do list but it is not. We allow gerrymandering of voter districts so one political party or creed has a better chance to win a referendum or election. We make laws that minimize the right to vote for many citizens rather than maximizing the number of eligible voters. We are hampering our own freedoms and the governance system that makes it possible in the first place.

Memorial Day is a good time to assess the sacrifice of others so our present system of freedoms exists and survives. Is it? Has that sacrifice achieved desired results? Or threatened its survival?

We need to continually ask these questions for our own good. Millions have given their lives so we can even ask the question. And then do something about it if a threat exists.

Think about it. Then remember the real reason behind Memorial Day.

May 27, 2024

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