The meaning of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a great day to spend with family and friends. It’s a great day to get out, picnic, party, play with the kids, and in general, enjoy what is basically the kick off of summer.

But before you have too much fun, we have a simple request: Remember what Memorial Day is really about. And what’s that? Just this: A day to honor men and women who died in service in the United States Armed forces.

Many of us have relatives who served in the military. It’s likely we have heard stories of bravery of those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice by dying for their country.

Sure, you’ve heard this before, and sometimes when you say something too much, it loses its meaning. But let’s say it anyway: Those who have stood tall for the U.S., those who have battled on our behalf for the freedoms we continue to enjoy, deserve our respect. They deserve our appreciation. They deserve our thanks.

Today, we have a chance to give it to them. The Kauai Veterans Council will host Memorial Day services at 10 a.m.  at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery.

Starting at 9 a.m., Kala Kreations will be giving out 400 roses, one for each family and one for the family to place on a grave of a loved one.

There will be speeches and salutes. There will be tears and tributes. There will be purpose and pride.

Many veterans will come out for Memorial Day as they, too, honored their fallen friends. Our veterans are a proud lot, as they should be. It might make them even prouder if hundreds turned out at Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery this morning.

But it you can’t make it, you can still, on this Memorial Day and any day, honor those men and women who died for their country. If you find yourself with a free moment, remember who’s responsible for the rights you enjoy. Couldn’t hurt to toss up a quiet thank you.

 Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said it well: “America’s greatness comes from its citizens who have given their lives in service to our country.”