Memorial Day Reflections: More Than a Long Weekend
Freedom is not free, and I don’t ever want to forget that.
As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, many across the country are firing up grills, planning beach trips, and looking forward to a well-deserved day off. I get it—rest and celebration are vital. But I also feel deeply compelled to pause and honor what this holiday truly represents: the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country. The ultimate sacrifice. Freedom is not free, and I don’t ever want to forget that.
I grew up on military bases. My father was career military,
and three of my four brothers also served. We were what they call a “military
family,” and that life shaped me in profound ways. While we didn’t have a lot
of money, my parents—both from the ghetto—raised children who were wise,
intelligent, and grounded. Why? Because the military made sure we had access to
the best education available. We were bused to top schools in each city we
lived in, and every two years we picked up our lives and moved to a new post.
We learned to adapt, to connect quickly, and to let go gracefully. That kind of
resilience can’t be taught in a textbook—it’s lived.
To this day, I consider that upbringing a gift. It made me
who I am: open-minded, well-rounded, and deeply appreciative of people from all
walks of life. That’s why, whenever I’m in an airport, restaurant, train
station, or anywhere public and see someone in uniform, I stop what I’m doing,
I smile, and I say—often loudly—“Thank you for your service.” And
sometimes, I even clap. It may seem small, but I believe acknowledgment is
powerful. Gratitude is necessary. And respect is non-negotiable.
In today’s climate, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise.
We argue over politics, social issues, and who’s right or wrong. But this
weekend, I invite you to step back and reflect on something simpler: the lives
lost so we can have the freedom to disagree. The people who stood in harm’s way
so we could have our debates, our brunches, our barbecues.
Memorial Day is not just a long weekend. It’s a sacred time to remember. So light your grill, hug your loved ones, and enjoy the sunshine—but also take a moment of silence. Say a prayer. Offer a word of thanks. Or, if you see someone in uniform, go ahead and say it out loud: “Thank you for your service.” Because someone gave their life for the freedom we often take for granted. And that deserves more than a day off. It deserves our full-hearted remembrance.
– Pam Heath, The YES Coach™
Say YES to Life. Say YES to Freedom.
