Memorial Day 2024

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 I have had grand intentions of writing and publishing a well-timed Memorial Day piece since the inception of this blog. At last, here it is. 

This is the first year in my memory that Greenville, SC has not held a ceremony at County Square to memorialize all those who have died defending our nation. Why is that? Because this year, after spending millions of dollars on city projects, including Unity Park and a shiny new county square, the government decided it wasn't worth it to pay for a Memorial Day ceremony. Since government employees are off today, it would cost extra to have a few open and close the building. Volunteers do the rest of the work. 

Greenville, while rising in national acclaim, is currently unable to respect the thousands who have died for our country. 

Greenville, what is wrong with you? 

Now, today isn't about calling out this fallible city. It is a day set aside to remember, to reminisce, and to renew our shared patriotism, sorrow, and determination to preserve our country's exceptionalism. 

It is not possible to understand how much loss the American people have undergone throughout it's 248 years. Overseas and here at home, in the heat of battle and in grimy military hospitals, in the air and in the water, gone at once and after slow suffering, men and women have died so we may live this well. We must try harder to deserve it, even though we never can. In order to do this, we need more vigilance, courage, integrity, and initiative. 

Honor their legacies by caring our hardest about all things American - government at all levels, history, and natural beauty. This is the best way I know to recognize Memorial Day. 

But the value of solemnity, respect, and formal ceremony must not be lost, either. The National Anthem. A big band. A twenty-one gun salute. The recognition of the POW-MIA flag. Prayers. Speeches. "Taps." Wreath placement. American flags of all sizes. These are some of the ways Greenville used to recognize Memorial Day in the past. I firmly believe we ought to straighten out our priorities better and bring the ceremony back. Until then, I hope others can find other ceremonies and events in neighboring towns to attend, as mine has. Memorial Day isn't about department store sales. It is an opportunity to quit thinking about ourselves for a moment and show reverence to those who have given their lives for ours. 


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