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The weather-related tragedies many families have experienced this year, not only in this region but in neighboring states and those farther away as well, will no doubt distract some from celebrating this year's important Memorial Day holiday in their traditional ways.
By "traditional ways," we're referring to attendance at patriotic parades, attendance at other holiday-themed ceremonies and visits to cemeteries.
However, many families victimized by Mother Nature's ravages will use Monday's holiday and attendance at holiday-related events as a respite from the tedious, unwanted cleanup work with which they otherwise would be tasked.
It will be a respite in the spirit of America's ideals and the ultimate goals and aspirations guiding all Americans' lives -- the most important of which is the safety of this great nation.
And, on the topic of this country's safety, those being honored today were vital to America's ability to continue its leadership on the world stage.
As those who understand the meaning of Monday's celebration know, Memorial Day is a federal holiday honoring the men and women who died while serving in this country's armed forces. This holiday should not be confused with Veterans Day, which on Nov. 11 honors all honorably discharged U.S. military veterans, whether or not they died while in this country's service.
The Memorial Day weekend also typically marks the start of the summer vacation season and renews calls for everyone to act responsibly and safely while enjoying what hopefully will be much warmer temperatures with less traumatic weather occurrences than what this year has brought so far.
Besides traditional activities dealing with Memorial Day itself, initially celebrated as Decoration Day, many Americans this weekend also will be visiting cemeteries in remembrance of relatives and friends. Many Americans also will use their day off from work, where applicable, to catch up with shopping needs and handling other chores.
Where possible, it would be wonderful if people not affected by the recent weather destruction could help those who suffered losses make some headway on recovery.
The Memorial Day speech given in 2020 by the American Legion's national commander focused on sacrifice and helping others amid crises not battlefield-related, as well as those on the battlefield.
"This Memorial Day as we continue to honor those who fell for us in battle, let's also pause to remember those who have also sacrificed their lives while serving others" was one of the speech's important points.
The speech reminded everyone that "every crisis has new heroes," mentioning, for example, the first responders of Sept. 11, 2001, and the health care workers who were risking their lives amid the coronavirus pandemic that was afflicting the nation in 2020.
"These heroes have much in common with the people that we honor today, America's fallen veterans," the speech continued. "They are men and women who have sacrificed their own lives so others could live. They are both elite and ordinary.
"They are rich and poor, black and white, male and female. They come from every ethnicity and background. In short, they looked like any one of us."
During this time of serious remembrance and reflection, also enjoy what America is all about and also consider what you might be able to do to help.
Consider that an obligation of citizenship, in the spirit of those who lost their lives while in this country's service.