Memorial Day 2017: Quotes To Remember Those Who Gave Their Lives While Keeping Us Safe

Memorial Day is one of those holidays that has seemingly lost some of its actual meaning to a lot of people, but there are those who will never forget. As the day arrives in 2017, it is so much more than just a long weekend filled with time together, cookouts, big-time sales, and having three days to rest and relax. That being said, here is a collection of quotes that will help remember just what to think of on Memorial Day and who should be honored.

For those who aren’t aware, Memorial Day is a day in which all those who died in active military service are to be remembered. It used to be observed on May 30 every year, but it is now observed annually on the final Monday in May.

Trying to remember those who have given their lives is not just something that should be done, but it needs to be done. On this Memorial Day, here is a collection of quotes that will help keep the men and women who lost their lives in the spotlight and focus of this upcoming holiday.

“137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America’s most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed – it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.” – Doc Hastings

“As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation’s wars.” – John M. McHugh

“My fellow Americans…ask not, what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – President John F. Kennedy

“America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.” – Paul Tsongas, U.S. Representative

“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.” – President George Washington

“There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.” – Nick Lampson, U.S. Representative

While quotes and speeches are great ways to keep those who have given their lives to serve their country in the focus, there is much more than can be done. As reported by NBC News, thousands of men and women have done something more to have the fallen as the sole reason for Memorial Day.

These volunteers have spent all of May carrying the names of soldiers who did not come home sewn onto backpacks. https://t.co/poee1IlJMw

— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) May 28, 2017

Over the past 31 days, volunteers have carried the names of fallen soldiers on their backs with the names sewn onto backpacks. A non-profit group known as “Carry the Load” traveled a full 6,200 miles combined as two routes (one starting in Seattle and the other in West Point) to meet in Dallas on Memorial Day.

Last year, the organization raised more than $2 million from sponsorships and donations. This year, they were hoping to top $2.5 million to help veterans with new homes, mental health programs, and so much more after returning home from service.

Those volunteering to walk for fallen soldiers want everyone to know that they need to be thought of at all times. Retired Army Captain Glen Dare said, “It is not just one day a year that we think about them or honor them, we think about them all the time.”

It takes more than one day a year and quotes to honor them, but the quotes surely do help bring the focus back around.

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” – Mark Twain

“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” – Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf

“The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth.” – Gen. Stonewall Jackson

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy, forget in time, that men have died to win them.” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Even if you’re getting together with family and friends to go shopping at the big sales or to have a cookout and relax, please, remember just what the “holiday” actually stands for. Memorial Day has a true meaning behind it and there are millions of those who need to be remembered as they gave their lives to protect and save ours. These quotes are memorable and have a lot of meaning behind them, and perhaps that will help in keeping those lost as the focus of this 2017 Memorial Day.

[Featured Image by Win McNamee/Getty Images]