On Memorial Day, we pay homage to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of our Country. In a nation with over 332 million people, most don’t know a fallen soldier personally. That makes Memorial Day just another day off.
How many will Americans visit cemeteries? How many will lay flowers? How many will perform any action to make a memorial, memorable in the way it was intended when it was first practiced in 1868?
And even if one thinks about those who sacrificed so we can enjoy the day off, partake in retail sales or a barbecue, without a meaningful action, it’s like the sound of a tree falling in an uninhabited forest.
ACTION IS REQUIRED
In 2016, I participated in a ceremony honoring a fellow dentist, Dr. Benjamin Salomon who died in battle during WWII and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, in large part due to the efforts of Major General Patrick Sculley (Ret), former Chief, US Army Dental Corps, seen here on the right, with Colonel Jack Jacobs (ret.), a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
Memorializing, to be meaningful, requires action. How are we putting into action the memory of those who sacrificed on our behalf?
This year, how about doing something more than eating a burger or hot dog?What about taking those thoughts of gratitude express them in a tangible way.
Each year on Memorial Day, I make a donation in Dr. Salomon’s honor. This year it will again be to American Friends of DVI, who have adopted him as a one of their own.
Dr. Salomon had no surviving relatives to memorialize him. On a day dedicated to paying homage to those who sacrificed, please think of doing likewise for a fallen hero.
To a meaningful Memorial Day,
Michael