Labor Day and Memorial Day are two big summer holidays; one starts the official summer season and the other closes it out.
Many people don’t know what Labor Day is about. It was claimed as a day off for working people to have some family fun and relaxation and for America’s labor force. It was for all to enjoy and to celebrate the fruits of the great efforts of labor and the great productivity of America through its workers. On Labor Day, we should celebrate hard won rights that improved daily working conditions, health standards and the general safety of workplaces across the country
Memorial Day is much more understood by the general public; it’s more obvious. Most Chattereaders know my family background. Like most families of my generation, my family and my husband’s family were filled with men who served in World War I, World War II, or Vietnam. Korea fell between generations for my family but it, too, must be remembered for hardship and loss, as should all costly wars.
Now, Memorial Day comes our way, Americans will picnic, barbecue or go fishing, but most people start the day by honoring our veterans, living and dead. We reflect and take a moment to respect, honor and celebrate those who fought or died in service to our country and remember their unselfish courage.
During the World Wars, and until very recently, men far outnumbered service deaths of women, but there were always women who served actively, defying risks. Some were in informant situations; some were actually flying aircraft, others in medical corps, and millions stateside. It’s important that we all understand the profundity of all soldiers’ sacrifices and the gifts they gave to us.
There are those of us, though, who are a bit conflicted. The day makes us think just as deeply about some of the quieter wars we’ve fought and what they were really about. Sadly, not every war was as clear in purpose as others. Sometimes, our nation’s involvement was dubious. Some of us might bristle just a bit during the glowing speeches beneath the flag, because we are reminded that there are those who died in wars made necessary only by American business interests, having nothing to do with freedom or its assist. Even then, there was no hesitation for the soldiers who were imposed upon, and no doubt of their sacrifices or the sacrifices of their loved ones.
We all understand there was a need for American corporations to survive, especially at a time when the American workforce was actually being employed by American manufacturing or supply. There are, however, things we know and understand about the riches of other nations and the pressure on the government, resulting in military action, for the purpose of keeping corporations in business. Those were double-edged swords, but war is always a price too dear, especially when other options are available.
Still, though we disagree with the politics of the quiet wars with questionable impetus, we remain focused on the altruism behind true valor. We salute the flag, pledge allegiance to it and our nation. We reflect on moments of our nation’s goodness, holding onto only the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought with great honor. We are recognizing them whenever we salute or facilitate any genuine American ideal, ignoring our political reservations. Any bristling and all reservations must be reserved for Election Day.
The only down side to the bravery of our great American people is that it has become something our leadership depends on. Patriotism is conveniently packaged as loyalty to the good of the nation as a whole, but unless that good really is of the nation as a whole, unless it is in balance across the board, it isn’t patriotism. Unconditional support of any leadership, any support without question, can only lead a nation to prejudice, injustice and conditional, mediocre progress at best.
To truly honor those who fought for freedom for us and for others down through our checkered history, we must keep our leadership in check. To fight for a fair and just America moving in the right direction, we must ensure that they are always working toward a better and more balanced nation for everyone.
Blind patriotism has been and still is fatal to any nation, and we are not immune. Patriotism, though, is never something to be embarrassed about. Despite America’s inequities, we still tear up when we sing the national anthem.
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