Chapter 1: The Role of Social Media in Memorial Day Narratives

This weekend, social media platforms have been inundated with posts filled with guilt and shame concerning Memorial Day. The images circulating, like the one below, evoke a strong emotional response.

It's hard to overlook the barely legible mentions of Afghanistan and Iraq etched on the tombstone in the image. While the sorrow depicted is undeniable, the greater tragedy lies in the circumstances that led to the loss of the woman and child featured.

Social media is rife with posts condemning anyone who chooses to enjoy a beach outing, barbecue, or day at the lake during this holiday. Should we not be allowed to celebrate life and freedom in our own ways? Must we all don sackcloth and ashes to mourn alongside strangers?

In the United States, many individuals have limited vacation time—often fewer than ten days a year. Frequently, these scant vacation days are consumed by personal matters such as medical appointments, leaving little room for actual leisure.

Personally, my family has not enjoyed a vacation since 2007. Our employer, a devout Catholic, imposes his beliefs on over 900 employees. This means not only a lack of birth control coverage in health insurance but also mandatory unpaid days off for religious holidays like Good Friday. When holidays coincide with weekends, such as July 4th or Thanksgiving, the vacation time available dwindles further, leaving employees with the stark choice of unpaid leave or using precious vacation days.

Thus, if someone opts to spend Memorial Day at a lake rather than at a cemetery, they should not be shamed for their choice. Everyone deserves a break, particularly those who toil in demanding jobs without adequate time off.

Memorial Day, Not Veterans Day #youtubeshorts

This video discusses the importance of distinguishing between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, highlighting how each serves its own purpose and audience.

Chapter 2: The Reality of Military Service

Furthermore, it's essential to address the notion that the soldier represented in the aforementioned meme died specifically to safeguard American freedoms. The United States boasts the largest military force globally, far surpassing the combined power of the next eleven nations. With geographical advantages, including two protective oceans and friendly borders, the real threats are minimal.

In the last century and a half, our country has experienced only one military attack on American soil—Pearl Harbor. While we may find ourselves entrenched in ongoing conflicts abroad, these wars often seem more about enriching a select few than about protecting our nation.

Many argue that our military should be significantly downsized, with resources reallocated toward essential services like Universal Health Care and education. Instead of waging war, we could be investing in our citizens and communities.

The same individuals who express concern over immigration often overlook how their own policies have contributed to instability in other countries, forcing families to flee violence and seek refuge elsewhere.

While the loss of that soldier is a tragedy, it’s crucial to recognize that many service members are caught in a system that prioritizes profit over people.

If someone chooses to take a day off to enjoy a barbecue or relax by the lake, they deserve that respite just as much as anyone honoring the fallen at a cemetery.

May We Never Forget Freedom Isn't Free — Memorial Day Tribute 2024

This tribute video pays homage to the sacrifices made by soldiers while emphasizing the importance of remembering their contributions on Memorial Day.

In closing, let’s reconsider the narratives we perpetuate. Instead of shaming others for enjoying their lives, perhaps we should all reflect on our own circumstances and the sacrifices made by those who serve.