Honoring Sacrifice and Reflecting on Freedom: A Memorial Day Contemplation
Memorial Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to recognizing and honoring those who sacrificed their lives to ensure our freedom. Across America, people pay tribute to these brave individuals in various ways, often displaying the American flag proudly. For me, this day usually involves such acts of homage. However, this Memorial Day took an unexpected turn as I found myself engrossed in the nine-part series, “Masters of the Air,” which I watched over two nights.
As the series unfolded, it was impossible to ignore the poignant themes of war, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of life during World War II. The depiction of war, prisons, and concentration camps struck a deep emotional chord, forcing me to confront the true meaning and spirit of Memorial Day. The series was a stark reminder of the immense sacrifices made by so many to protect our freedom.
Watching “Masters of the Air,” I couldn’t help but reflect on our current societal landscape. Today, our society seems more divided than ever. American pride, once a unifying force, now appears to be a point of contention. Abraham Lincoln’s words echoed in my mind: “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” These words underscore the fragility of freedom and the importance of safeguarding it.
Freedom should never be taken for granted. It demands respect, particularly for those who laid down their lives for it. Listening to Lee Greenwood’s song, “God Bless the USA,” I was transported back to the streets and farmlands of World War II Europe, imagining the struggle to survive amid the chaos of war. The lyrics, “If tomorrow all the things were gone I worked for all my life and I had to start again with just my children and my wife,” resonated deeply. The song serves as a reminder of the preciousness of our freedom and the gratitude we should feel for living in a free country.
Yet, recent events have challenged this sentiment. Protests on college campuses have seen the American flag burned and disrespected, though thankfully, some brave students have intervened to stop these actions. This raises the question: Why is American pride not the norm today? If we were faced with an invasion, would we rally together in a display of American pride and fight for our freedom, or would we falter?
Memorial Day is not the time to dive into the politics and “what ifs” of our current situation. Instead, it is a time to honor those who sacrificed everything for our freedom. It is a time to remember their courage, bravery, and heroism. Allowing their efforts to be in vain by jeopardizing our freedoms is, in my opinion, deeply disrespectful.
As we commemorate Memorial Day, let us renew our commitment to upholding the values these heroes fought for. Let us strive to foster unity and respect for the freedoms we enjoy. And most importantly, let us never forget the sacrifices made by so many to ensure that the American flag still stands for freedom.
Make today a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!
