I commonly make jokes about the limitations the average American has with their own history, such as the purpose and meaning behind Memorial Day. But I think that we should look at how this holiday grew in scope and why we should rethink its meaning in global terms.
Memorial Day started as a result of the end of the Civil War. To unite Southern and Northern mourning days and commemorations, Memorial Day was created by the 1890s. It has since come to represent a day to remember all those who have died in war. But the first shift is something important to consider: It was intended to remember both sides; the North and the South; the Allies and the Enemy.
I think it's time we extent this meaning yet again in 2015 to remember all those who have fought in wars for the purpose of bettering their society. Can we denounce the Russians who died while taking Berlin in April of 1945? Can we ignore the Chinese who fought off the imperialist Japanese during WWII? Can we ignore the Japanese and the Germans, who were all fighting for what they thought was in their best interests? We don't have to forgive the dictators, but we also don't have to vilify the soldiers. Soldiers are pawns in the system of war, they are not in control of it.
Memorial Day to me is a day to remember all soldiers who fought for what they believed was right; because without people that have passion and dedication...history would never happen.
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