Veteran’s and Memorial Day: An excuse for store sales and beach days

Nadine MelamedOpinion EditorAs a child, I never understood why my parents would take me to visit the gravesites of fallen soldiers. The place would be filled with crying families and multicolored flowers, placed in neat bundles atop carefully manicured lawns.I never understood why my parents would take me somewhere so full of sadness, but as I have matured,  their actions have become crystal clear. My parents wanted to instill in me a pride of my country, and not only raise me with gratitude for the service of others, but with an unyielding respect for those who sacrificed themselves in defense of our great country.It is the same reason I have a flag outside of my house, the same reason I stand for the Pledge of Allegiance during morning announcements and the same reason I will always support America. Yes, America is simply the greatest, but there’s still some work to be done, especially regarding how American citizens treat events sacred to their country.You may have heard the names or read them in your planner: Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. To many students, these two days simply mean a day off from school to go shopping, see a movie, go to the beach or go on an excursion. The older I get, though, the more upset this unfortunate reality makes me.Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day pass on like every other day and are not met with the respect and solemnity they deserve from Samo students.Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, was originally known as “Armistice Day,” and was set in place by former President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I which ended the same day the year before. It is a federal holiday, so all public- schools, federal offices and the post office close.And though Veteran’s Day is in two days, none of my teachers have even mentioned it in class. In fact, no teacher or adult at this school has ever talked to any of my classes about the significance of Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day.I’m not sure if this is an attempt to not push a political agenda or even remotely push the forsaken “love the country that has protected you” ideal. Regardless of what others believe, what you may have been taught or have failed to be taught, Samo students, take matters into your own hands.I’m not saying that on Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, you must sit at home and sob and deprive yourself of  Harry Potter and Macaroni and Cheese. Being miserable is unproductive and doesn’t benefit anyone. On the contrary, it ruins you. But what am I hoping for  is that we students don’t forget about those that fought for our country. It is because of those soldiers honored by Veteran’s and Memorial Day, people we never met, probably weren’t related to and for some, died way before we were ever even born, that we live such comfortable lives in these magnificent United States.I understand that society has made it acceptable to be indifferent. With huge department store sales in honor of Memorial Day, it’s easy and nearly inevitable to get lost in a whirlwind of obliviousness. Obviously, the ignorance has expanded from the seller to the costumer. For stores whose commercials advertise for Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day sales, I have only seen commercials featuring elated people skipping and hopping about, never mentioning two crucial words: America or soldiers. They are sales for holidays that have absolutely no connection to shopping and in Memorial Day’s case, warrant a  bit of sadness.So in addition, instead of  having barbeques and going shopping, take these two days a year to do something that benefits the people who have stood by our country in times of peace and war, and who have risked their lives to keep all American citizens safe.Volunteer to help wounded veterans, collect toiletries to be sent to soldiers currently serving, raise money to buy other necessities soldiers may need. It’s simple. We are the future and if we forget about those who served, who were wounded and who gave their lives, they will be forgotten forever.Don’t fall prey to obliviousness, students. Join me in an effort to thank, remember and give back to American soldiers and Veterans this Veteran’s Day.  And if the day proves too much, at least go shopping later.nmelamed@thesamohi.com