Memorial Day Memories are More than Traditions

Honoring those that gave their lives for their country while serving in the military is the true meaning of Memorial Day. But as a child, it was time for a parade, picnics, and an extra day off from school. We decorated our bikes and dressed according to the theme, patriotic. It was our mini version of a parade float—a celebration time.

As we grew, we continued looking forward to that day off school. Although we no longer participated in the parades, we would walk to the center of our small town, North Chicago, to watch the parade. Since my godfather was a fireman, he would drive the firetruck with our Dalmatian, Dagmar, by his side. We gleefully caught the candy thrown off the truck, but I am sure my godfather, a Vietnam vet, reflected on those soldiers lost in combat with him.

I eventually graduated and went to college, no longer acknowledging the holiday by attending parades, although a day off of classes and tests was a treat. However, it generally meant extra time in the library to study. Once I started working at a bank, Memorial Day was one of our many days off. Since it was a long weekend, I would travel to visit my boyfriend and future husband.

Once in Cleveland for the Holiday with my boyfriend and his family, it became a significant event in my life again. The little town of Chagrin Falls would have a parade complete with firetrucks, floats, and high school bands. My future sister-in-law lived on the parade route, facilitating the big picnic celebrations. Although my future husband participated in the parade as a child, it was a holiday I had mostly forgotten about until now.

One year later, my boyfriend flew into Atlanta to see me. After all, it was a long weekend. Much to my surprise, he also had an engagement ring for me. After a casual proposal (not the big productions occurring today), he asked me to marry him. There were no parades or picnics but a proposal to mark the weekend’s significance forever. How do you top that?

It was six years later that the holiday was topped! Our third child, Mason, was born on Memorial Day weekend—a bouncing baby boy. For the most part, our parades were replaced with birthday parties in his younger years. And swapped for his soccer tournaments as he grew up.

Fast forward twenty years plus, we were back in Cleveland not just for Memorial Day parades and birthdays but for graduation parties. At the parade, in attendance was the next generation of babies and parents, now grandparents.

2023 is another Memorial Day milestone. It is our baby’s 30th birthday celebration. My husband and I officially started our journey together this weekend, and now the rising generation is making its mark on the world by having significant events of their own.

Although we honor those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice, death, our Memorial Day Weekend is a family tradition of love, life, and living. It is still and will forever be a time to celebrate.

What does Memorial Day Weekend mean to you?