Memorial Day is an American holiday that serves as a remembrance to all (over one million) who’ve given their lives in service to our country. And even if the wars fought weren’t for the right reasons, we still need to honor those that served. Freedom doesn’t seem so important until you lose it.
It’s uncomfortable to think of people we’ve never met who’ve died and even more painful if you know someone whose life was lost. Many of us are too busy with cookouts and fireworks to think about such sad things. But it’s a national holiday, and a few moments of tribute can bring us together in gratitude for those who won’t be able to celebrate. If for no other reason, to show respect and appreciation and to allow ourselves to heal those losses. I’ve heard some people say they have no use for the military. But despite the imperfection of the armed forces and its leaders, that doesn’t mean we should ignore the sacrifices that have been made.
A Moment of Quiet Contemplation
Before the holiday party begins, we could take a moment to reflect on the fact that we are enjoying our freedom. This country, like the military, isn’t perfect. However, nothing else is either. If we want change, it must start within. Wrong actions against wrong actions equal wrong results – how wars get started in the first place.
Today is a day to give thanks to the people who (right or wrong) fought for freedom.
Gratitude
It’s so easy to take freedom for granted. Think about people who aren’t allowed to freely express themselves because they are imprisoned one way or another. They might be in jail. They might be punished for speaking their minds. Some people aren’t free because they are at the mercy of their own fearful thoughts.
Freedom is not just “another word for nothing left to lose.” If you lose your freedom, you’ve lost everything important. Freedom is the longing to be who you are and reveal that self to the world. You aren’t inhibited or punished because of race, sex, or political affiliation. Free expression is the generator of societal growth. Though it might be challenged at times, freedom of thought and words is still at the core of our existence and survival.
Seek Peace
Maybe someday, Memorial Day will be an international holiday that celebrates the end of deadly wars – something no longer considered an option to gain control. Perhaps in the future, when there’s an imminent invasion of human lives and rights, the world will come together as a loving shield and stop the attack before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Memorial Day is now a time to pay tribute to those brave people who sacrificed so much for others to have their freedoms. It’s also a day for our families to show love and appreciation for one another. Now, more than ever, we need to unite in love regardless of conflict. “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
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Donna Marks is an educator, licensed psychotherapist, and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owns an outpatient treatment program and serves as a consultant to treatment centers. For 36 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles.
Donna is the author of three books: the multi-award-winning title Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, The Healing Moment: Seven Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love, and her latest fiction, Fortis & Sapiente – A Tale of Two Lovers Who Successfully Navigate the Murky Waters of Love. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with millions of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
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