Every year at this time of year I still remember my experiences visiting Pearl Harbor and Normandy. Although both visits were years ago my memories bring me right back to these memorable places every single year.  As we celebrate Memorial Day, my hope is that we all can take a moment to remember those who paid the ultimate cost of fighting for our freedoms with their lives. I also hope that people continue to travel and learn about the people and cultures in the places they visit even here in the United States. Maybe, just maybe, this learning will bring us all just a little closer together. God Bless America! 

One of the things I love best about traveling is learning about the history of the places we visit. I, like many others, read books and watch films before I travel to get a better understanding of what I’m going to see. It really heightens my travel experience. It gets me excited for the journey and I look at everything I see just a bit differently.

What Are We Remembering On Memorial Day?

When Memorial Day comes around it’s impossible for me not to reflect on our visits to Pearl Harbor and Normandy.

Our trip years ago to Pearl Harbor happened to be right on Memorial Day. It wasn’t planned that way. We were in Hawaii and we wanted to visit Pearl Harbor during our trip. When we asked the hotel concierge about the hours and how long it would take to get there he warned us that it would be crowded and folks would be lining up early for the Memorial Day tribute so we should probably go another day.

Looking Back

We considered it for about two seconds and decided we had to go on Memorial Day. Standing in line in the beautiful weather in Hawaii didn’t seem like that much of an inconvenience when you consider the sacrifice of all those who have served and those who now serve our country.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Day Tradition

We set the alarm and at 5:00 am we made the trek to Pearl Harbor. There were about 100 people gathered waiting for the 8 am opening.  As we waited, a military car drove up and we saw an elderly man in a Hawaiian shirt and a sash with honors on it get out of the car. Murmurs went quickly through the line. The elderly gentleman was a Pearl Harbor survivor. He then began to walk the line, something he has been doing annually on Memorial Day. He shook hands with everyone, let people take pictures, and chatted with the crowd.

I have to admit I had a lump in my throat as I shook his hand and thanked him for his service. As it turned out he was also the leader of the military band we would hear later that morning.

It was by far one of the most patriotic moments I’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing.

What Is The True Meaning Of Memorial Day?

Normandy

When traveling through France years ago we drove through Normandy. Our first stop was, of course, a patisserie for morning coffee and croissants. After we grabbed our goodies, we walked through the village of Grandcamp-Maisy along the waterfront just to see what there was to see. Clearly, visitors, we were just wandering around very early in the morning. As we were strolling, an older French gentleman approached us and asked in broken English if we were lost and needed help. We assured him in even worse French that we were not and that we were fine and happy to be there. He told us that he loved the Americans and would be ever thankful for our help during the war. He wished us well and went on his way.

What an unexpected and remarkable moment. As we continued our exploration of Normandy, we went to the American Cemetery. We both were uncharacteristically quiet reflecting on the many, many lives lost in this now sacred place. We watched the videos at the American Cemetery as we had at Pearl Harbor including real footage and interviews. You couldn’t help but feel the pride and great loss expressed by the men and women who served. Every person told their unique story and how they truly felt they were fighting for our freedom.

Is Memorial Day For Remembering Loved Ones? 

It’s these memories that I reflect on and cherish during Memorial Day. I hope that, whether you’re an American or any other nationality, you take the time on this day to remember those who fought and died for your freedom. Say a prayer or a thank you and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make this world a better place especially as we celebrate Memorial Day 2020.

Many of us may not be able to spend time with family and friends for Memorial Day. We can take the time to remember why it is we celebrate this most sacred American holiday. It’s not for us, it’s not about hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie. It’s about those we’ve lost who died to protect our freedoms and our protections.  We must honor them and see to it that losing them was not in vain. Be an active citizen, vote in every election, and help determine the future of this country. It’s our privilege and our duty.

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