Memorial Day is for remembrance, not vacation

O

nce again, the Red Bank Elks Lodge No. 233 will try to make Memorial Day meaningful by doing their part in Memorial Day services, along with the many organizations sponsored by the borough of Red Bank, at the Veterans Monument, 51 Monmouth St., on May 29 at 11 a.m. The services will be followed by luncheon for participants at our lodge, 40 W. Front St. In case of bad weather, Memorial Day services will be held at the Red Bank Elks Lodge.

When I was growing up in America many decades ago, Memorial Day was observed with parades in every town. Veterans held their heads high and it ended at the town cemetery with speeches, and graves were beautified.

Today, Memorial Day has lost its rightful day of May 30 in exchange for the vague last Monday of May. This changed, of course, so that everyone could have a three-day weekend. It was presented that a more effective work week would be gained.

Memorial comes from the word "memory." It is to remind us of the more than 1 million men and women who have died to protect our freedom, and let us not forget those in VA hospitals and those, by the grace of God, that are OK today but served. It is not for a three-day weekend or paid vacation day, so you can get away from your troubles.

I feel today that only the people who fought or lost someone in the fighting remember. We are obligated to show that we have not forgotten, so let’s give them a few minutes of silent recognition and remembrance.

James W. Harris Sr.

Public Relations Chairman

Red Bank Elks