Understanding Memorial Day

For a lot of Americans, Memorial Day is just an opportunity to enjoy a day off work. It’s a time to relax, maybe fire up the grill for a barbecue, and spend time with friends or family.

However, the deeper significance of this holiday should prompt a sense of gratitude and empathy in everyone. Memorial Day isn’t really about leisure; it’s a day of remembrance. It’s dedicated to honoring the service members who have lost their lives while serving in the military.

About two years ago, Glenn Beck shared a powerful message that’s particularly relevant on this day.

He opens with a narrative that resonates strongly, especially for the parents of fallen soldiers. “Picture this from a first-person perspective,” he suggests.

“Imagine your son has been with the United States Marine Corps for what feels like ages. It begins with anxiety, then panic, then feeling utterly helpless. Time seems to freeze, like being stuck in the bleakest winter without sunlight. You are alone in your worry, and there seems to be no end.”

Your cherished son unexpectedly falls in battle, and all you can do is wait for the official notification to come.

“Here’s what goes on behind the scenes,” Glenn points out. “First, there’s the task of death notification, which must occur within eight hours. They try to find you, the next of kin, ensuring the officer arrives properly.”

“Usually, three people come: an officer of a rank higher than the deceased, a minister, and a medical assistant—to help if the next of kin collapses from the news,” he continues.

Parents, already reeling from the impending news, listen in anguish as the officer conveys, “The Commanding General of the Marine Corps has tasked me with expressing profound sorrow for the loss of your son John in action on Friday, March 26th. The Commanding General and the Marine Corps extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.”

“This torment is a reality that thousands face, and many lay awake at night fearing it could happen to them,” Glenn notes.

“In 2003 alone, 312 parents lived through this scenario. In 2007, the number of fallen military personnel was 847, followed by 352 in 2008, and 346 in 2009—the list goes on,” he elaborates.

This Memorial Day, Glenn hopes families will unite to remember the true essence of the holiday.

“I’m not aiming to bring anyone down, but there’s something sacred about Memorial Day that many overlook,” he reflects.

In closing, he recites John 15:13: “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

“This weekend, let’s remember our values of honor, country, and family. They embody the very best of us.”