How One USMC Veteran Approaches Memorial Day
The following is written by U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Boot Campaign Veteran Ambassador Ryan Lamke.
Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, a time when the nation pauses to remember and honor those who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. It is a day filled with reflection, gratitude, and a deep sense of loss.
Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is a growing sentiment that the phrase “Happy Memorial Day” is inappropriate, that it trivializes the immense sacrifices made by our fallen heroes. While it is understandable to feel this way, I respectfully argue that celebrating the lives of these individuals, even with a smile, is a powerful way to honor their memory and the values they embodied.
These heroes lived lives of courage, selflessness, and dedication. They were not just Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coasties; they were sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and friends. They were people who chose to put their lives on the line for the freedom and safety of others, and their legacy is one of bravery and sacrifice.
In the spirit of General George S. Patton, who famously said, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived,” we can choose to celebrate the lives of these heroes rather than dwell on their deaths.
By doing so, we honor their memory in a way that reflects the joy and positivity they brought into the world. We remember the laughter they shared, the stories they told, and the love they gave. We celebrate the fact that there are individuals willing to give everything for those they love, and we find hope in the knowledge that there are many others like them.
Some may choose to mourn, while others may choose to celebrate. Both are valid expressions of love and respect for those we have lost.
The beauty of this day is that it allows us to honor our heroes in a way that is meaningful to us, whether that means visiting a cemetery, attending a parade, or simply reflecting on the lives of those who have served.
As we remember those who have sacrificed so much, let us do so with gratitude, joy, and a deep sense of pride in the values they upheld. I wish you, your family, and our entire nation a happy Memorial Day, in the spirit of those who sacrificed their lives and their own future in the hopes of freedom and a better future for all.
