Every year, Memorial Day weekend arrives with a mix of sounds—flags gently flapping in the
breeze, grills sizzling with burgers, children laughing as they chase bubbles in the backyard. It’s a time when families gather, stores offer sales, and the unofficial start of summer begins.
But quietly, beneath the surface of the celebrations, there’s a reverent stillness woven through the weekend that I always
feel.
To me, Memorial Day isn’t just about a long weekend or a chance to catch up with friends. It’s a moment in the calendar that asks us to pause. To remember. To feel.
I
didn’t grow up in a military family, but I’ve always had deep respect for those who serve. That respect deepened even more when I married my husband, who proudly served in the Air Force.
And just this year, Memorial Day weekend carried a new layer of meaning—our
daughter’s boyfriend graduated from West Point Military Academy. While he is thankfully safe and well, his commitment—and the path he’s chosen—has brought the realities of military life closer to home for all of us.
Some of my friends have lost loved ones—brothers, sisters, fathers—who never came home. I remember attending a service
years ago, standing among rows of white stones and small American flags, and feeling the weight of so many lives cut short. It wasn’t dramatic or loud. It was quiet. Heavy. Reverent.
That’s why, even as we enjoy the sunshine and share a good meal, I make it a point to include a moment of silence. A story about someone who served. A few
extra flags by the front walk. It doesn’t feel right to let the day pass without acknowledging why it exists.
Memorial Day reminds me that freedom always comes at a cost—and that it's possible to hold both gratitude and grief at the same time. There’s room for laughter and remembrance, celebration and reflection. And maybe that’s the
most American thing of all.
To all the veterans, here and no longer here, thank you for your service. We remember you. We honor you. And we are forever grateful.
On another note...
My carefully curated list...
includes must-have travel essentials that will keep you organized, comfortable, and ready for any adventure.
