“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
Click here to listen to the 1-minute version of this article on the “Success is a Choice” podcast network.
This weekend we might celebrate Memorial Day with a cookout or take advantage of a sale or get out on the lake for the first time or even attend a graduation ceremony, but let’s remember why Americans have this holiday.
In the United States, Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who have fought and died for our freedoms.
As U.S. citizens, we should never forget the prices paid and the sacrifices made so that we can live in a free nation.
Men and women have died through the years so that you and I can have the ability to debate issues, possess differing opinions, and enjoy many freedoms that other countries do not have.
If we are truly grateful for the sacrifices others have made, then one of the best ways we can demonstrate this is by being the kind of American worth fighting and dying for.
A hero is someone who gives their life for something bigger than themselves. Many of our soldiers and first responders have sacrificed for people they didn’t know and whose opinions they didn’t share, yet they did it anyway.
They put themselves in harm’s way.
Because of this, I truly believe that we can have civil dialogue, use critical thinking skills, see other perspectives, and be respectful of others – not because they deserve it but because those who died for us, do.