Let us remember those lives that have been torn apart to make ours better. Let us appreciate those brave enough to do what we idolize as patriotism. However distant, let us never forget those lives that have sacrificed and paid the ultimate price for a greater cause. Let us never forget our heroes.
Yesterday we embraced those who have fallen in the line of duty fighting for our great country, the United States of America. Some of us celebrated by heading to the music festival Sasquatch!, others to Lake Shasta, and still others simply preferred to sit back and enjoy the extra day off as we headed into dead week of finals. But like most holidays, we often lose track of the meaning of the day set aside for remembrance, and like any day of rest in a college town, much of the University’s campus spent this Monday trying to remember what happened the night before rather than appreciating all that we have and how it has been made possible.
Of course, Memorial Day is about appreciating and remembering those that inspire us for their bravery and unselfishness. Class may not be in session, but let it be remembered that the day’s lesson was “What It Means to Be an American.” However, with that in mind, it is no wonder that so many forget the importance of this holiday — remembering every person who has sacrificed for this great nation would take more than a day — it would take more than a year. To give each individual the respect and reverence that they deserve on this day is quixotic in nature.
Life is a precious thing, and on this day it is our duty to recognize it. So in case we forgot, let us hold those closest to us in memoriam of those that are not here to be held. Take a moment to pay your respects to those whom we are so indebted. We may not be able to remember each individual soldier and thank him or her for their gifts of inspiration and service that they have given us. And though these men and women did not fight to become a hero, that is what they are. For those names we cannot put a face to, yet whose legacy lives on, give thanks by remembering their names — Honor, Freedom and Sacrifice.
Benjamin Franklin Smood@@http://directory.uoregon.edu/telecom/directory.jsp?p=findpeople%2Ffind_results&m=student&d=person&b=name&s=Benjamin+F+Smood+@@
University student