/customerservice/
|
Explore the meaning of Memorial Day through news stories
Just about every American looks forward to Memorial Day as a welcome three-day weekend. It's the traditional, if not actual, kick-off of summer complete with picnics and short trips. However to military veterans and their families, Memorial Day is also a time to honor the men and women who died serving their country, especially during war or military action. Marking the day began after the Civil War and was first known as Decoration Day. To the people who established the day, it seemed fitting to mark selfless service to country.
Still, many towns around the country have Memorial Day parades and other events specifically honoring those gave their life serving their country. Events are often sponsored by veterans groups such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, commonly known as the VFW.
Holidays help pass along the culture. The Fourth of July, for example, marks the beginning of a nation with high ideals that in many ways has become the envy of the world. And Memorial Day is designed to remind Americans that freedoms came with a cost. Front Page Talking Points is written by
Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2013
We welcome comments or suggestions for future topics: Click here to Comment Front Page Talking Points Archive►Federal safety board urges tougher drinking-and-driving cutoff limit to match other nations ►Northeast braces for noisy invasion: Flying cicada bugs return after hiding for 17 years ►U.S. military prison at Guantanamo, Cuba, remains a tricky problem for President Obama ►Doctors warn about serious health risks from 'The Cinnamon Challenge' video craze ►Earth Day on April 22 focuses attention on how we can protect the natural environment ►Thousands of past players take on the National Football League over brain injuries ►North Korean missile threats create concern and U.S. show of military force ►South Africa reflects on the huge legacy of Nelson Mandela, hospitalized at 94 ►They come from space: NASA seeks money to spot and deflect risks from large asteroids ►This 'March Madness' basketball tournament season is special – the 75th in history |
The American Automobile Association predicts Americans will travel more this Memorial Day than last year despite higher gasoline prices. Have students look for stories on what people are doing this Memorial Day. Taken as a whole, do the stories say anything about the holiday? About Americans? Are veterans right in saying that the central purpose of Memorial Day has been lost to hoopla?
Newspapers often carry Memorial Day stories quoting veterans on past military actions. Such stories reflect a piece of history and perspective that otherwise might not be published. Have students find such stories -- or stories about current military actions around the globe. Then discuss the role of the Armed Forces in larger scheme of government functions including promoting commerce, preserving freedom and wading through thorny international issues.
Have students scan newspapers for the many examples of rituals that mark American culture, including slang, driving behavior and other identifying habits. Compare the impact of these cultural markers to official holidays. How does each contribute to the sense of national identity?
Changing Times: Some veterans object to making Memorial Day a light-hearted holiday. They claim the day has become more a national three-day lark than time set aside for honoring the war dead.