I took the day off yesterday. I mean, really off. No email. No cell phone. No thinking about business. No nothing except taking my girls to the pool and relaxing as a family. Then a family barbecue. Yes, I did the grilling.
It was very meaningful.
A reminder to celebrate the lives of fallen soldiers.
Parades.
The unofficial first day of summer.
The pool is open for the season.
The Indy 500.
A day off of work.
Holiday pay for those that do work.
The Coca-Cola 600.
Golf.
The first family BBQ of the year.
It was first observed in 1865 by freed slaves in Charleston, SC and was originally called Decoration Day as a way to honor fallen Union Soldiers.
Memorial Day became the official name in 1967 and was moved to the last Monday of May in 1968.
Over the past 145 years, the holiday has changed to include all who have perished in defense of our great nation.
Some people use the day as a reminder to visit deceased loved-ones, whether they served in the military or not.
It is customary to fly the US flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time.
Take a moment to think about those who gave their lives for our freedom, for our safety, for our protection, and for causes our government deemed worthy of fighting for.
Think about the Americans who were willing to die for their beliefs.
What are you willing to die for?
For what are you willing to risk everything?
Maybe I’m selfish, but I think holidays like Memorial Day are as much about you and me as they are about those who have passed. If you spend the day thinking about your life, about your family, about your troubles and your blessings, imagine the impact you can make when you return to the real world the next day.
On a day like Memorial Day, we remember those who came before us.
One day your descendants (or others you knew in life) will remember you.
What would you like to be remembered for?
What would you like to be remembered as?
In other words, what’s your legacy? Leave a note in the comments and let me know!
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