On Monday, the world will remember and honor all the service men and women who died protecting and serving their country for Memorial Day . Many see the holiday as a reason for getting some great deals at retail stores or electronics sales. Others look at it as nothing more than a day off and a big three-day weekend. These quotes will help everyone remember that there is so much more behind Memorial Day and the memories of those that should be honored.
Please always remember the honorable men and women of the service who were a part of the United States Armed Forces and gave their every single thing for their country. While they should be remembered and honored each and every single day, Memorial Day belongs to them and memories should be shared.
A safe wonderful holiday weekend to all but amidst the joy remember the fallen #militarymom #MemorialDayWeekend #USA pic.twitter.com/yOoDKbd7UQ
— erin brockovich (@ErinBrockovich) May 27, 2016
Many great leaders and important names have expressed inspirational and memorable quotes that are often associated with Memorial Day. There are those which are extremely serious and will ring through the ears and minds of many for years and decades.
“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay…but we can honor their sacrifice.” – President Barack Obama
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Nathan Hale
“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.” – President George Washington
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – President John F. Kennedy
“What I can do for my country, I am willing to do.” – Christopher Gadsden
There are also the quotes that come forth with a bit of humor and sarcasm while also being quite serious. Men like Mark Twain were always famous and known for those kinds of thoughts, and he was never one to bite his tongue.
Many would say that his words still ring true today.
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” – Mark Twain
“I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” – James A. Baldwin
On social media, the hashtag #MemorialDayWeekend is already trending and many are talking about all of the fun things they have planned. They’re discussing getting together for good food and drinks and listening to music and enjoying the three-day weekend.
Honored #MemorialDayWeekend by attending the #MassFallenHeroes ceremony. pic.twitter.com/ySGyJX4d4c
— Massasoit Vet Center (@MassasoitVets) May 28, 2016
Others are thinking about how they can pay tribute to others, and PBS has a great way to do that this weekend with the National Memorial Day Concert . Check your local listings for the channel in your area, but it will air live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 29, beginning at 8 p.m. ET for an hour and a half.
The program will be co-hosted by actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, two award-winning actors who are extremely dedicated to supporting armed forces troops and veterans. Others that will be in attendance or performing include:
- General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)
- Renee Fleming
- The Beach Boys
- Esai Morales
- Trace Adkins
- Katharine McPhee
- S. Epatha Merkerson
- Alfie Boe
- Trent Harmon
- Jack Everly
- National Symphony Orchestra
- Military District of Washington
- U.S. Army Herald Trumpets
- U.S. Army Chorus
- U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters
- U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants
- The Soldier’s Chorus
Memorial Daywill bring about picnics, barbecues, shopping sprees, new furniture deals, and days off from work. In the middle of all that fun and enjoyment and time with the family, it’s necessary and respectful to take moments throughout the day and honor those that are our fallen heroes. Let these quotes help everyone take time out of their day to pay tribute to anyone you may know that has given their life and even those you never met.
[Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images]