The true meaning of Memorial Day often gets lost amidst the excitement over a three day weekend filled with family cookouts, shopping for holiday bargains, and a trip to the beach.
While you’re grilling that cheeseburger, or scoring a great deal at the mall, take a moment to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces by sharing one of the inspirational Memorial Day quotes below with friends, family, or someone who lost a loved one in the service.
Enjoy the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, but at least take a few minutes to remember what it’s about… pic.twitter.com/kT1YfnBkfR
— Big Head Sports (@BigHeadSports) May 22, 2015
Our fallen soldiers are the reason we have the freedom to enjoy a relaxing day off. Joe Davis, spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, tells U.S. News that the meaning of the Memorial Day goes “way beyond the three-day weekend” and it is important to “honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Use the quotes below in a card, via email, or in a text. Share a Memorial Day sentiment with friends and acquaintances in your social network by using a quote in a tweet, or as your Facebook status. Although the holiday is meant to honor those who died serving our country, sending a quote to those who are currently serving in the military will surely be appreciated.
- “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Nathan Hale
- “On Memorial Day, I don’t want to only remember the combatants. There were also those who came out of the trenches as writers and poets, who started preaching peace, men and women who have made this world a kinder place to live.” – Eric Burdon
- “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” – Mark Twain
- “Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice.” – President Barack Obama
- “They hover as a cloud of witnesses above this Nation.” – Henry Ward Beecher
- “The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” – Minot J. Savage
- “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman
- “For love of country, they accepted death.” – President James A. Garfield
- “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” – Lee Greenwood
On Sunday, May 24, PBS will air the annual National Memorial Day Concert live from the U.S. Capitol. The show starts at 8 p.m. ET and will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. It will also feature disabled American heroes, children who have lost a parent to war, and a star-studded line-up of music and entertainment.
[Image: Military.com/ Quotes: Brainy Quote, Quote Garden]