COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:

What does Memorial Day mean to you?

For many, Memorial Day is a holiday that has come to represent the unofficial beginning of summer: a day off of work and school to gather with family and friends for backyard barbecues, picnics and sporting events.

For others, Memorial Day is a day of reflection and mourning: a day to honor and remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives to preserve the way of life we enjoy as Americans.

When I think of Memorial Day, I think of sacrifice. Many of us make sacrifices in our lives for the sake of our families or friends, passions or careers, but how many of us are willing to sacrifice our lives for a cause much greater than ourselves?

Memorial Day is a day when we remember more than 1 million American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the American principles of freedom, liberty, democracy, opportunity and prosperity.

My two children and my son-in-law attended the United States Air Force Academy and went on to serve their nation. For my wife and me, Memorial Day serves as a reminder of how fortunate we have been. We pray for the millions of parents who never saw their children return from service, and we honor their sacrifice as well.

All too often, a day off from work and school serves as a distraction from the true meaning of Memorial Day. Before being celebrated as a “holiday,” it was observed as a solemn day of mourning.

Until 1971, when Congress established Memorial Day as a mandatory holiday to fall on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day was observed on May 30. Every year on this day, businesses would close and towns would hold parades in honor of our fallen. Speeches were given, prayers were said, and the graves of our heroes were cleaned and decorated with flags and flowers. Thankfully, many patriotic communities across our nation continue to observe Memorial Day in its most traditional manner.

This year, as you enjoy the warm spring weather in the company of your family and friends on Memorial Day, I urge you to take a moment to think of all those families with an empty spot at the table. Remember that millions of brave men and women gave their lives to preserve the way of life you will enjoy on this day, asking for nothing in return. Take a moment to ask yourself what Memorial Day means to you.

Assemblyman Jim Silva represents the 67th District.