What does Memorial Day signify for you?

I just added a post to my personal Facebook page for friends and family. It was humbly requesting that they remember the fallen today. It's not just about booze and barbecue- it's called Memorial Day after all.

Admittedly, I used to "celebrate" Memorial Day before I really took a step back and understood it at a deeper level. Before I spent over 20 years with a partner in life who selflessly served in the United States Army and who is passionate (rightly so) that people realize the significance of the day.

In my opinion, it's not a day to celebrate, but to remember.

• Remember the fallen.
• Remember their families.
• Remember those who served alongside them and may have even watched them fall.

It isn't an easy day for everyone.

Finding our why.

The Facebook group I created around my Free At 50 blog recently focused on Step 1 of my 6-Step Checklist to Escape the 9-5: Finding Your Why.

As a nation, now more than ever, we need to find our why. Or maybe discover (rediscover?) it. Living in Colonial Williamsburg I'm exposed to the opportunity daily. And I hope to share ideas, experiences, and a-ha moments to help anyone out there needing the reminders- giving you all the opportunity to have it on your doorstep, or at least on your screen.

RELATED: My Wreaths Across America post

Disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

Wreaths Across America wreath-laying, Williamsburg, VA 2023

Celebrate your liberty, but always remember with gratitude.

I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy your time with those you love. You ABSOLUTELY should. It's why so many have given so much and so many even given the ultimate sacrifice.

For our liberty.
For the safety, security, and life we all treasure.

For Locke's words expressed in a new way for us, United States citizens, by Thomas Jefferson in our Declaration of Independence: "certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"

So by all means, enjoy Memorial Day. But NEVER forget the why.

You can read the Declaration of Independence in full, transcribed on our National Archives website, by clicking here.

Drummer's Call/Military Tattoo march, Williamsburg, VA 2024

Closing words from history, honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Directly from George Washington, in an excerpt of a 1775 address to the Provincial Congress in New York. Clearly, as being appointed to take command, he was immediately looking forward to bringing our country to peace and returning all the soldiers home.

It's not lost on me that he walked into this position knowing the horrors of war having served in the Seven Years War. Read the address, with citations and related notes, by clicking here.

Address to the New York Provincial Congress, 26 June 1775

.....

As to the fatal, but necessary Opera⟨tions of War.⟩4 When we assumed the Soldier, we did not ⟨lay aside the⟩ Citizen, & we shall most sincerely rejoice ⟨with you in⟩ that happy Hour, when the Establishment ⟨of American⟩ L⟨iber⟩ty on the most firm, & solid Foundat⟨ions, shall enable us⟩ to return to our private Stations in ⟨the bosom of a⟩ free, peaceful, & happy Country.

Go: ⟨Washington.⟩

I am blessed to be able to marry my passion for history with writing and want to continue! If you're up for supporting this effort, use my online tip jar and buy me a coffee:

There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.