Sad, really sad. Saw this at Instapundit:
I DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY TEACH IN PUBLIC SCHOOL. I KNOW IT’S NOT ANYTHING WORTH KNOWING: Most Americans have no clue why we celebrate Memorial Day.
Going to the link (reformatted, emphasis mine):
Less than half of Americans know the true meaning behind Memorial Day, according to a new survey.
The survey of 2,000 Americans revealed just 43 percent were aware it’s a holiday honoring those who died in service while in the US Armed Forces. Twenty-eight percent mistakenly believed Memorial Day was a holiday honoring all military veterans who have served in the US Armed Forces — which is actually Veterans Day.
…When asked about the Moment of Remembrance, a moment wherein Americans are asked to pause for a duration of one minute to remember those who have died in US military service, half of those polled hadn’t heard of it. But a third of respondents (35 percent) were able to select the correct time for when it takes place — 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
Half of Americans polled had also not heard the term “Gold Star family” — which is a family who has lost a loved one in military service. Once explained, 55 percent of respondents said they planned to do something kind for a Gold Star family this Memorial Day.
“For many Americans, Memorial Day is a much-needed day off to relax and enjoy their family. It is important to understand that it is also a solemn day of remembrance. For me, as a combat veteran and for military members and their families, this day holds great significance. Not everyone I served with was fortunate enough to return home,” said Brian Ishmael, senior director, University of Phoenix Office of Military and Veteran Affairs and former US Army sergeant.
I did not serve – I wish I had. I used to say that I didn’t come from a military family – in my later years, I’ve learned that was wrong as well. My Dad was part of the Coast Guard Auxillary using our family’s commercial fishing vessel looking for German ships during WWII. Several uncles served and a couple of my cousins did as well. My stepdad was a LoadMaster during the Korean War period. Several of my brothers-in-law served as well. The Eldest (Marines) and Youngest (101st Airborne) did as well as combat vets.
“…this day holds great significance” – there is a bond between those that served at squad/platoon levels, those that survived combat, that we civilians cannot and will not ever understand. What we can do is to honor their service and their sacrifice in protecting our Rights and lives here at home. Take a moment at 3 pm, reflect, say a prayer, and say thank you to anyone that served.
Especially by those of us who never did.
But also, say thank you to the Blue Star families (those who currently have or did have sons or daughters in the service) and the Gold Start families (whose sons or daughters paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf). They are the 1% of American families that raised these brave souls, they are the ones that sent the letters and the packages to theirs and others, they are the ones that hesitated when phone calls with “special” caller IDs came in, they are the ones that knew when a “different sounding” car pulling into the driveway and didn’t want to peer out the window or go to the door; they knew what it meant.
Screw social distancing – give them all hugs and thank you’s. They’ve earned our gratitude. Let them know that we haven’t forgotten.
