One thing I like about Memorial Day — beyond the sales and barbecues and general restfulness — is that we slightly changed the definition of it. Originally, the premise was to remember those who'd died while serving in our military…and that's still a noble reason for the holiday. But understandably, I think, people decided that what we really needed was a day to thank those who are still alive (and maybe currently serving) and to make sure their needs are not forgotten.
I made my first visit to Washington D.C. a few years ago…and everywhere I went, I was reminded of a comment I heard once about the place; that you can't turn around without seeing a monument to those who've died in the service of their country. Not that that should ever be forgotten but I'd sure like to see us doing more to salute those who haven't died when they've served this country. And I'd like to not read news stories about filthy conditions in military hospitals, cuts in military pensions, raging unemployment among veterans, etc. It would also be nice if men and women weren't still dying in service of this country.