This past weekend, we celebrated Memorial Day, a 24-hour period set aside specifically to recognize and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service of our nation. Some celebrate with flags and ceremonies and some with barbeque and recreation, but the spirit of remembrance permeates each activity as we all, as a nation, pay tribute to our fallen military service men and women.
Since the United States first declared independence, there has always been a special class of Americans willing to answer their country’s call and serve in the armed forces. Some went voluntarily and others, while ordered serve, put aside their thoughts of self and did what was needed, despite the personal cost.
Over the weekend, some took it upon themselves to share on social media about the exorbitant amount of money our nation puts toward military funding (about $350 billion per year, according to the New York Times). Others drew attention to the frequency of war and how little time the U.S. has spent at peace. In short, people did what people do on social media; they were complaining.
I get it. Today, we face crumbling infrastructure nationwide. Healthcare and student loans threaten to bankrupt entire generations, towns and cities are being overwhelmed by drug-related fatalities and partisan politics has deadlocked many proposed solutions.
People are angry, and they have a right to be. The military, with its gigantic budget and lack of flexibility with rules – a good trait for an organization where discipline can mean life or death – makes and easy, and arguably fair, target.
Yet, using Memorial Day as an opportunity to bash the government, to me, is missing the point. Should there be greater oversight in military spending? I think so. Should more be done to ensure veterans receive timely physical and mental health treatment? Absolutely.
Memorial Day, however, is not about the organizational behemoth of the United States Armed Forces. It’s about the people, the everyday men and women who, when called upon, put down their pens and plows and did what they were called to do.
Don’t cheapen their sacrifice to make a political point or earn a few likes on social media. Honor them and enjoy the freedoms they fought to protect, like barbeque and recreation.
Thomas is the managing editor of the Newton County Appeal. He can be reached at thoward@newtoncountyappeal.com
