Something to Remember

by Dustin Meyer

2011-05-27 00:00:00

Memorial Day is almost upon us. And as usual, businesses are getting prepared to roll out their holiday promotions and sales events. However, sometimes the purpose of a holiday can get lost on us. Let's be honest, with the flood of advertisements, emails, and pop-up ads, a holiday tends to lose its meaning.

So maybe let's do a little recap on what Memorial Day is exactly...

Wikipedia defines Memorial Day as "United States federal holiday that honors soldiers and is observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service.^[1] First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War,^[2] it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars."

It goes on to explain how modern adaptations of the holiday include shopping, sales, and nationally sponsored auto races.

I think we can do better than that.

I'm pretty sure people with family in the armed forces and those who are currently serving would prefer to have Memorial Day mean something more than just shopping and a day at the lake. Perhaps, taking a moment to really contemplate the purpose of such a day would bring out the more human side in us.

Every day, there are people out there working for you. Protecting you. Watching over you. Believing in you. Some have names, some don't. Some you have met, others you may have yet to meet, or may never meet. Now, think of these people, but think of the ones who have passed. The ones who have fallen. The ones who have retired and died from natural causes. The ones who were killed in the line of duty. No matter what transitioned them into the next life, they all had the same belief. To give you the best life possible as an American. You may not even agree with the armed forces, but these men and women died for you. For your freedom. They gave up the most precious gift God gave them, their life, for you.

We at Canvas Press believe in memories. Maybe that's why this holiday means more to us than to other businesses. And yes, we will join the ranks with other companies that offer specials and deals in honor of Memorial Day. But we just wanted to make sure you understand why we do it.

So this Memorial Day, as you hit the malls and fire up the grill, we ask you to take a moment to pause and reflect. Think about those that have given their lives so that you may live your's. They didn't asked to be honored with grand statues or traffic-stopping parades. Just to be remembered. It's because of them that Canvas Press is here to wish you a wonderful Memorial Day.