For the first time in over 25 years I will not be attending the Memorial Day service. The service is another victim to the Coronavirus. The attendance has been slightly shrinking over the years. Most Americans have no connection to Memorial Day ceremonies. Memorial Day marks the start of summer with backyard barbeques, road trips and appliance sales. The fact is that less than 1% of the American population serve in the military. Even though we have been at war for almost 19 years, most people do not know anyone who has served in the military.
This weekend, towns across America will be decorated in hundreds and hundreds of American Flags. Flags will be placed at the grave sites where veterans are buried. Some people will visit these graves as they grieve the loss of a family member.
Memorial Day is not to remember that we are still at war, or the wars we have fought. Rather, we are remembering the men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion in order to ensure that the freedoms that America offers to all would be passed on to the next generations. Remembering that sacrifice is a cost that has been paid by others so I can enjoy my freedom. And remember the hope that we will find ways to prevent war and never have to fight them again, that future generations will never have to suffer the terrors of war.
The employees of American Receivable Corporation will remember these things this Memorial Day. Our lives have been made richer by the veterans who have honored us when they chose to use our factoring service. See you next year at the Memorial Day Service.
