Elise Skidmore

Memorial Day

It’s not about three day weekends,

or family barbecues.

It’s not about big sales at the stores,

the unofficial beginning of summer,

or the beaches open for the season.

It’s not even about supporting our veterans.

Memorial Day is about paying tribute

to those who made the ultimate sacrifice,

those who gave their lives for their country.

From Lexington and Concord,

to Gettysburg and Antietam,

to the World Wars that were meant to end all wars,

but sadly fell short of that admirable intention,

to Korea and Vietnam,

Afghanistan and Iraq,

and all the battles in between.

So many lives lost.

Too many.

Take a little time as you enjoy your blessings

to remember.

Honor them

by striving for a world without war.

Enjoy your celebrations and be safe.

Please take a minute to watch this short video of a poem by John McCrae, which has become synonymous with Memorial Day tributes.

In Flanders Fields