There are many flaws with society that we all have to deal with: annoying drivers, tourists, etc. But there’s one flaw I think we need to work together to change.

Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 30^th, 2016. And as wonderful as Memorial Day Weekend is- we have to remember there is an actual purpose for this day. There is a reason this day is a national holiday. And, there is a reason this day is called “Memorial Day” and not “Unofficial Beginning of Summer” or something like that. Memorial day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the USA. According to usmemorialday.org, Memorial Day was born out of the Civil War and a desire to honor those who have passed. General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic officially proclaimed, on May 5^th 1868, “the 30^th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country…”. Also, Logan chose May 30^th because it was no the anniversary of any particular battle. On the first Memorial Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5000 people decorated the graves.

And, 148 years later, Memorial Day (at least in Jersey) has evolved to being about beach days, barbecues, going the boardwalks, and getting drunk. People just seem to care about having a three day weekend off work, and stores take advantage of the weekend and have huge sales. Personally, I think it is despicable. We have the whole summer to party and socialize, it’s the least we could do as a prideful country to honor those who have died for our freedom. And I’m not trying to come across as high and mighty, I enjoy a good Memorial Day barbecue just like anyone else. But I think we should try to make more of an effort to appreciate what those before us have done, and what those we know are doing now. The majority of people are caught up in not realizing what some people have sacrificed for this country. More than 1.1 million people have died from American wars, according to pbs.org. Many of us know someone, or know of someone, in the military. I feel as though those of us who are influenced by a personal connection to the military should show a little extra respect this Memorial Day.

And as for the rest of us, we wouldn’t have this weekend to welcome summer if it weren’t for those who died for our country. So as we’re strolling down the boardwalk or riding the waves or chowing down on the burgers, let’s all just try to remember why Memorial Day is so special.