First published through The Paris News on May 29, 2017. The article can be found on their website at http://theparisnews.com/opinion/article_0793fb2a-4485-11e7-9ef4-fff4b85b798f.html

A lot of people are grilling out and enjoying the day today, but Memorial Day is a day to remember the fallen soldiers from all wars throughout the years.

It seems this holiday has become more of a party day than a day of remembrance. It’s a confusing situation — because of those who fought, we have the freedom to celebrate this day. But, we shouldn’t forget the price that freedom cost.

A lot of people are partying and celebrating the day as a day to drink and be happy, but a lot of people have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Because of them, we have the freedom to celebrate this day. So, maybe it shouldn’t be a sad day of remembrance; maybe it should be a happy, excited day of remembrance.

I have an uncle and an aunt who have served in the military, along with a handful of friends who are currently serving. They chose to fight for what is right — they chose to fight for us. They’ve chosen to fight for someone they didn’t even know, and they fought for a family waiting for them back home.

When I was younger, I never understood how serious a day like today was. I was excited that it meant the beginning of summer and school only had a couple more days left. I thought Memorial Day was just another holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, a day when the mailmen decided they didn’t want to deliver the mail. I thought it meant time spent with family at the lake.

I came across a video on a social network years back of the soldier who watches over the Tomb of the Unknowns in the Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument dedicated to the men and women who have served and died in a war for Americans  without having their remains identified.

In the video you can hear someone laughing, rather disrespectfully. When the person began to laugh near the tomb, the Tomb Guard sentinel said in a stern, loud voice, “It is requested that everyone maintains a level of silence and respect.”

Seeing and hearing the Tomb Guard sentinel enforce this respect resonates deeply.

Another story I’ve read is about a man who visited a fast food business and respectfully asked if they offered discounts to those who served in the military. Though they didn’t, a lady behind him, overly generalizing the military service men and women, said all the military feels entitled to things. She said military service members believe they should be given a handout.

Hearing the ruckus, a lady stepped forward and offered to pay for his meal for him, because he did serve for us, even those like the lady who was demeaning to the service man.

Though it is Memorial Day and not Veterans Day, I still say thank you to all currently in service, veterans who have served and to those who have paid the ultimate price for me and everyone in America.

Author Laurie Halse Anderson said it best, “I am super proud of being an American, but we fail our veterans every day.”