Memorial Day, May 31, 2021, is greatly anticipated. And oh! What a celebratory difference it will be from 2020.

Nothing can spoil or halt a celebration like a pandemic!

Memorial Day, the fourth U. S. national holiday, was a bust for many people last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 canceled many trips, family gatherings, concerts, and many other planned and customary activities.

With the vaccination of many Americans and new guidance from the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) CDC, people will travel and gather inside and outside to celebrate the national holiday this year.

And I thank God for this blessing!  Who wants to be cooped up or sheltered-in place on a holiday?

The word holiday originates from an Old English term that means ‘holy day.’ Today the expanded use of the word can refer to any special day of tradition or law.

Families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price for our country deserve our prayers and gratitude on this Memorial Day. A tribute to the deceased military personnel is in order.

President Barack Obama called these fallen ones, “The best of America.”

They said ‘YES’ and died in the service of their country.

How can we say thank you?

Government leaders must be columns and bear up democracy. Our democracy is dependent on each of us charging our leaders to put the country before self and party.

The vote must continue to be the hallmark of our democratic government.

We must continue to seek and stand for the truth.

It’s true that many people take the holiday for granted as a time to be off work, have pool parties, barbecues, and be involved in other recreational activities. Children also love Memorial Day. No school! And the young adults seek sun, sand, water, and a great time at the beach.

This year, we plan to cookout and gather with a few family members.

But the holiday is a time to be grateful for our freedoms because of the sacrifice of courageous, selfless individuals.

We, the living, should never forget the fallen soldiers.

How can we say thank you?

We should strive for a more perfect union. The union should model the creed of our nation where everyone is equal under the law.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “It may be true the law cannot make a man love me, but it can stop him from lynching me, and I think that’s pretty important.”

Today, blacks continue to demand equal protection by police officers. America is a nation of laws where equity should exist for all.

How can we best honor our fallen military brothers and sisters?

We must stand united as one nation under God. We’re the United States of America. It is true the sum is greater than any of its parts. We should count people in rather than count them out.

I like the following quote about Memorial Day because it not only speaks of the past, but it makes a pertinent reference to the present.

Jennifer M. Granholm said, “Ceremonies are important. But our gratitude has to be more than visits to the troops, and once-a-year Memorial Day ceremonies. We honor the dead best by treating the living well.”

Jennifer Granholm is the U.S. Secretary of Energy. She is the second female to lead the United States Department of Energy (DOE).

Have a happy Memorial Day!

May God continue to bless the United States of America!

Be safe.