Memorial Day — Thank You soldiers for making U.S. a safe haven!

Each year Memorial Day is observed on the last monday of May. As an ignorant immigrant, I was inquisitive about its historical background. Before googling, I thought to ask some locals about its significance. My first encounter was with a receptionist at a nearby Physiotherapy Center. As I walked in, the center looked all geared up a week before in its preparation. One of the walls in the gym had a notice that announced a Memorial Day celebration would be held on May 25 in honor of Monday's national Holiday. Some blue and red colored stars, reminder to all visitors of victorious America and Memorial Day, were kept next to the register board.

So, I asked this receptionist, “What is Memorial Day?” She paused and replied, ‘Hmm, we commemorate those veterans who fought in World war II,’ A therapist, fluent in both English and Russian languages, sitting next to her quickly chipped in and said, “No, it’s in memory for all those who died in wars.”  For the same question, a student cashier at one of the Ryan Park grocery stores answered, ‘I’ve no idea.’ So, amongst those I asked, many seemed well aware about this special day but there were few like me who didn’t know much about it.

To my little knowledge ever since I came to U.S., Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, etc., meant federal holidays and long weekends. Holidays, that everyone looks forward to meet their family and friends, have get-togethers, go biking and fishing or some other outdoor activity. Of course this article would be incomplete without mentioning the so called huge savings and sales that go with such occasions. Profit making businesses and retailers mark such days by bringing out sales and discounts on consumer products to lure customers. Now days, TV channels beam ads of different shopping stores and variety of items available on sale there. In mail, too, we get fliers with printed American flag making special place in the background that announce ‘Memorial Day sale’, ‘Buy more, save more’! 

Wikipedia says that Memorial Day is a federal holiday to honor soldiers. Earlier called as Decoration Day, it commemorated U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. Presently, it is a day to honor those Americans who died in all wars. This special day is also identified with the beginning of warmer summer days. 

While some special services and events take place in remembrance of those who gave up their lives to protect their nation. We here, truly respect and honor those soldiers, who fought for their homeland; making it a safe haven for future generations. A place that is worldwide known as ‘The Land of opportunity’, where people from different nations flock in to seek a better future. On this day, that is dedicated to the real heroes of America, we would like to say, "Thank You."