We Remember
By: Taft Matney
Much the way Easter and the Carolina Cup have become the unofficial starts of Spring, Memorial Day weekend has become the unofficial start of Summer.
Unfortunately, we sometimes lose sight of what those events REALLY mean, of what’s behind them, and of why we truly observe them (Notice I didn’t say, “celebrate.”).
We’ll see local pools open for the first time. We’ll watch bikers and families sitting together in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Highway 501 toward the Grand Strand as they take their first beach trips. Grocery stores will sell out of hot dogs, burgers, buns, and ribs as backyard grills are cleaned and fired up for friends and neighbors to come over during the extended weekend.
All of those are great things to be excited about and to look forward to, but it’s important we remember WHY and HOW we get to do those things.
It’s important to remember the South Carolinians and other Americans who gave their lives for our nation so that we can enjoy a way of life not afforded in other countries.
It’s important to remember those who put on our nation’s military uniforms and showed their ultimate measures of devotion to our country.
It’s important to remember those who left their families, friends, and communities to defend our nation and never came back.
The cookouts, beach trips, and pool parties are great, but we cannot forget the men and women who made it possible for us have them.
This year, as you’re playing in the ocean, diving in the deep end, or flipping those burgers, take time to remember people like:
- Sergeant Channing B. Hicks of Greer,
- Sergeant John D. Meador, II of Columbia,
- 1st Lieutenant Ryan D. Rawl of Lexington,
- Private First Class Adam C. Ross of Lyman, and
- Sergeant First Class Matthew B. Thomas of Travelers Rest.
They gave their lives last year so we could observe Memorial Day this year. So whether you’re on vacation or staycation, please take time to observe them and all of those who came before them, and be thankful that because of their sacrifices, we remain free.
PHOTO CREDIT: Arlington National Cemetery
