Memorial Day is supposed to be a day when Americans are to remember and honor those who have died in service to this nation. But just like many other holidays, religious or otherwise, Memorial Day has lost its significance in the hearts and minds of many Americans. It has become nothing more than another opportunity for an extended vacation, or another excuse for store sales. There really is no “remembering” that happens.
In an attempt to remind and reeducate Americans, the White House released a memorandum on May 2000 urging “all Americans come together to recognize how fortunate we are to live in freedom and to observe a universal ‘National Moment of Remembrance’ on each Memorial Day.” Everyone was encouraged “to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.” I wonder if anyone actually takes the time to do (or know about) this.
Memorial Day was originally observed on May 30th. But in 1971 it was moved to the “last Monday of May,” making it a three-day weekend observance. There are those who believe this was a mistake for it distracted Americans from the spirit of the holiday. The three-day weekend made it easier for people to think more of “vacation” or “sale,” rather than “remembrance.” (Just a casual look at what we do makes it hard not to agree.) In 1999, a bill was introduced in Congress to restore the traditional one-day observance. That attempt hasn’t prospered.
It is sad that so many beautiful traditions no longer carry their true significance in the hearts of those who supposedly practice or observe them. This becomes especially tragic when the traditions have to do with matters of eternal significance.
The Christian community has many sacred traditions—like the Lord’s Supper, or regular weekly worship—that are supposed to keep the truths of the faith alive in the believer’s life. Yet often they become nothing more than hollow rituals. Our mind and our heart are not engaged when we practice the traditions. Church people may go through the motions, and utter the prescribed words, but the truths do not touch the soul. And when we lose sight of the significance of these traditions, instead of being essential anchors for life they are treated as “optional” distractions.
—Keith Jainga