When I think of Memorial Day, I think long weekend. I think warm summer sun. Hot dogs and picnics, and throwing a frisbee on a grassy lawn.
And if you’re a California native like me, Memorial Day holds an even deeper significance: it marks the start of the summer beach season. That means the sound of the waves, the smell of the salt air, and a good evening bonfire.
But obviously, there’s something missing: the actual “memorial” part of Memorial Day.
That’s ironic, given that I’m a conservative — a label that implies a belief that there’s something in the past worth remembering and preserving.
But for most of my life, I can’t recall wondering what I was supposed to be remembering and why I was supposed to be remembering it. Instead, I treated Memorial Day like any other holiday — just an excuse to take a day off and relax.
I’m not the only one.
According to a 2020 survey, <a href="https://nypost.com/2020/05/21/most-americans-have-no-clue-why-we-celebrate-memorial-day/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">only 43%</a> of Americans understood the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day. A full 36 %weren’t sure of the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
<a class="c-link" href="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=memorial&amp;utm_content=editorialmemorialday" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=memorial&amp;utm_content=editorialmemorialday" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Memorial Day Sale – Get 40% Off New DailyWire+ Annual Memberships</a>
This ignorance may seem shameful. But in my opinion, it’s more reflective of the relative peace our generation has inherited — and our resulting lack of perspective on suffering and sacrifice.
We face conflicts, yes, and there are brave service men and women who daily put their lives on the line to protect our country. But thankfully, most of us haven’t experienced the unique tragedy of losing an immediate family member to war.
Obviously, this means Memorial Day may hold less meaning for us than it did for, say, my grandparents’ generation — a generation directly affected by World War II.
Born during World War II, my grandfather, himself a Navy veteran, didn’t even get to meet his father until he was a year old. The reason? My great-grandfather was away, serving his country in the military.
That delay in meeting one’s child is a sacrifice unimaginable to many today. But it pales in comparison to that made by those who have laid down their lives in service.
Yet today, we struggle to appreciate their sacrifice, in part because we’re so distanced from it. We’ve lost perspective on how much it’s truly worth.
The phrase “first-world problems” has grown cliché, but it’s apt in this instance. Most of us haven’t had to face the same kind of life-or-death scenarios as did our grandparents and great-grandparents, so we struggle to understand the significance of their courageous choices.
That lack of perspective is the reason most people don’t appreciate Memorial Day for all it’s worth. At least, that’s certainly why I didn’t.
Recently, though, I had the chance to catch up with my grandparents. And while we didn’t dwell on my grandfather’s time in the service, simply hearing their wisdom — wrought in long lives of cheerful hard work, dedication, and love — reminded me how much I owe, both to them and to those who paid the ultimate price.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” reads John 15:13.
So enjoy your long Memorial Day weekend. Bask in the summer sun. Eat a hot dog — or don’t, if you’re trying to go MAHA.
But if you get the chance, sit down with an older friend or family member — someone who has stories to share of their generation’s sacrifice and service. You may find yourself leaving the conversation encouraged, challenged, and with a deeper appreciation for those who have shown the greatest love possible to their fellow man.
Mary Mobley is an Editorial Fellow in the Strategic Communications department of the Heritage Foundation.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div data-widget-host="revcontent" data-pub-id="165152" data-widget-id="290588"></div><script src="https://delivery.revcontent.com/165152/290588/widget.js"></script>

Here’s Why Young Americans Don’t Appreciate The Meaning of Memorial Day

New Study: Planned Parenthood Has Quietly Invaded Christian Colleges

What Conservatives Miss About Marriage 

Opinion

A video goes viral showing a baby being refused his mother by two gay "dads". This is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will have an important discussion today about surrogacy. 

Hour 1

The Matt Walsh Show

Ep. 1765 - This Video Is One Of The Worst Things I've Seen In A Long Time 

The Strait of Hormuz officially opens for business (kind of), the Pope makes “shocking” comments on immigration, and President Trump promises UFO disclosure at TPUSA. 


The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1956 -  Pope Leo's "SHOCKING" Immigration Comments EXPLAINED

A false miscreed has corrupted our leadership class.


The Andrew Klavan Show

Ep. 1275 - Dumb, Dumber and Progressive

President Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a murder-suicide involving former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shakes Virginia, and France and Britain hold a conference to secure the Strait of Hormuz – after the Iranian conflict ends. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.

- - -

Ep. 2738

- - -

Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3

- - -

Today's Sponsors:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text 'WIRE' to 83848 to learn more.

Pocket Hose - Text MORNING to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Morning Wire

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26 [Member Exclusive]

A ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Lebanon, a tragic murder-suicide rocks Virginia, and Dairy Queen deploys AI in the drive-thru. Get the facts first with Evening Wire.
- - -
Ep. 2737
- - -
Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 
- - -
Today’s Sponsor:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text “WIRE” to 83848 to learn more.


Menu

— Opinion —

Here’s Why Young Americans Don’t Appreciate The Meaning of Memorial Day