As with all things in America; the origin of Memorial Day is debated. The farthest reaching claim is from 1864 making today the 158th day where we pause to consider the individual sacrifices in service of the greater good.
And individual sacrifice in service of the greater good is worth truly considering.
One to one sacrifices are easy. They’re transactions with immediate and visceral returns. One to many sacrifices on the other hand have more impact but provide little feedback.
There are countless ways to honor those strangers who gave their life for my, and your, and countless strangers’ freedom, but maybe none as appropriate as echoing the spirit of that sacrifice.
Today I’ll observe the solemnity of the day, I’ll almost certainly lift a drink or two, and I’ll ask myself what can I do in service of the greater good. How can I serve and carry forward the spirit of those we’re honoring.
How can you?
Well chosen words, my friend. We had the chance to head to Philadelphia yesterday and our daughter saw the plight of homelessness front and center. After some tears, we convinced her we should do something about it and volunteer. Taking it back to an earlier post, who can keep me accountable to do so, as a family? Better yet, who wants to join?