If you’re like most people, today you’re probably getting back to your regular routine after the three-day weekend.
For many years Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was celebrated on May 30 – rather than on the last Monday of the month as it is observed today. In 1971, our government conferred several standing three-day weekends with the passage of the National Holiday Act; hence the variable dates each year.
Over the intervening 35 years, the original significance of these observances began falling by the wayside as we rushed to plan an extra day off work and, in the instance of Memorial Day, commenced the official launch into summer. So we brushed away the cobwebs from our grills and fired them up; we went to the beach, to the park, to the lake, out on the boat – anywhere that said, “Woohoo – summer’s almost here!”
Memorial Day’s history is long with no established concurrence as to its true origin. What is unambiguous, though, is that Memorial Day was designated as a day to honor the fallen heroes who died in service to our country.
When we say “hero” nowadays, we don’t always get a clear and immediate picture of what it takes to be a “champion among men.” I think we all agree that our American soldiers, regardless of rank and military branch, qualify – as well as men and women doing jobs that put them into harm’s way while serving the public. Fire fighters, police and highway patrol officers are certainly American heroes.
What I do wonder about, however, is the notion that fame alone is a contributing factor in heroic achievement. Not to mention being paid bucket loads of money. Although numerous famous individuals contribute generously to the needs of the world, blind idolization of actors, sports figures, and rock stars is an icon of pop culture today – perhaps to the diminishment of others who are, I believe, more deserving of our admiration and gratitude.
Besides members of the military and those who ensure our safety, others walk among us that could be appropriately included in the company of heroes. Keep your Angelinas, your Brads or George Clooneys and give me a gifted surgeon who saves the lives of those we love. Or a young breast cancer survivor like my friend Susan’s daughter, Angela, who walks in marathons with her mom and her sisters in honor of those who didn’t survive and to ensure the progression of research so that others may live. They are my heroes.
As is the good “Dr. M.,” my exceptional dentist downtown who saved me from some of the worst pain I’d ever felt by carrying out a root canal – everyone’s nightmare until they’ve had one and learned it’s not so bad after all. And the amazing surgeon in San Jose who performed a procedure five years ago that probably saved my life. I didn’t hang around outside their doors hoping for an autograph afterward, but believe me when I say I was so grateful that I could’ve licked their shoes! A doctor’s life isn’t often glamorous and requires an unselfish chunk of time and service to others plus a noble dedication of purpose that’s inherent with the territory.
And when a life-threatening sickness strikes us down, we battle forward. Fighting disease isn’t something anybody signs up for eagerly, but fight we boldly do – and oftentimes we prevail.
So I hope you took a few minutes this weekend to reflect on the true meaning of this American holiday we just celebrated and thought of the True Heroes – those who live among us and especially those who gave all. It was the latter’s ultimate and final sacrifices that make possible our freedoms today – to go to the mountains, the beach, the lake – wherever this prelude to summer calls us home.
Gale Hammond is a 23-year Morgan Hill resident. Reach her at Ga*********@*ol.com.
