It’s hard to repay the debt of a human life. Yet today in the United States, we remember those who died for us, fighting in wars to keep our freedoms safe from those who would take them away from us.

War still rages around us, soldiers still fight today. And every month, soldiers die fighting for us. For our democracy. For our country.

I’m not sure how to repay that debt. All I can do is remember and give thanks to those who fell in battle, because without their sacrifice, I’m not sure I’d be here living in one of the world’s greatest democracies.

Memorial Day’s roots can be traced back to the Civil War, when people who honor those who fought in that bloody war by decorating the graves of the dead. After WWI, it was expanded to recognize the sacrifices given by those who fight in any war.

It’s hard to keep the reverent spirit of this day when it makes the start of “summertime” in the U.S., and is a three-day weekend. We now too often associate it with BBQ, family get togethers, and the question, “So what are you doing Memorial Day [weekend]?”

Although I’m sure I’ll also be “doing something” today, I will also take time out this morning to remember those who have given their lives so that others — including myself — can continue to live in a country where freedom is still (mostly) valued.

It’s a small price for me, as a citizen, to pay when they’ve paid so much more.

Photo courtesy of the Wikimedia Commons.

Dr. John Grohol is the founder & CEO of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

Like this author?
Catch up on other posts by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. (or subscribe to their feed).

Comments

This post currently has 3 comments.
You can read the comments or leave your own thoughts.

Trackbacks

No trackbacks yet to this post.

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 30 May 2011
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.