Wherever you are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, pause for the National Moment of Remembrance. The magic of the University campus is its ability to foster the diversity of ideas. It is a forum where we can appreciate and argue our differences in culture and political ideology. The hope, ultimately, is to walk away with a bigger view of the world, and if not that, a stronger conviction of our original views. But it is important to find moments to put aside all differences and recognize a commonality amongst us, as residents and citizens of this country.
Regardless of your political, racial, ethnic, cultural or other affiliation, it is an undeniable fact that our service members and veterans are the defenders of our rights. Each military member has a different reason for joining, but ultimately, they have each sworn an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States of America. It is because of service members that our rights to free speech, religion and demonstration remain intact. My brothers- and sisters-in-arms have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so that we may live as we do. Memorial Day is intended to recognize those who ventured forth to defend our nation and did not return. Enjoy your day off this Monday, have fun, but please pause and take a moment to remember why we have this day.
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