Memorial Day — I.School

Question. What is the difference between Armed Forced Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day? No, it is not a riddle. I just wonder how many Americans, while celebrating these holidays, know what they actually represent. I don’t know- so let’s learn something and apply.

Armed Forces Day is for those still in their uniform.

Veterans Day is for those who hung up their uniform.

Memorial Day is for those who never made it out of their uniform.

Good to know. So today being Memorial Day let’s go deeper:

Curiously, remembrance days began during Civil War and the GAR- the Grand Army of the Republic- to ensure pensions for families, protection against alcoholism, support racial injustice (especially black soldiers not recognized for service), and historical education. Women then created committees to help families of fallen soldiers for both the North and the South. The history gets pretty complicated and wiki-long so I’ll just add a link and move on.

Application: What if we extended that courtesy to the battle field in our own back yard?

In memory of:

1. Students and teachers who have died by guns in public schools.

2. Students, teachers and personnel who have died by suicide because of the stress and pressures of intolerable realities within public education.

3. Invisible wounds inflicted upon public employees of institutionalized learning which include psychological distresses such as shell shock/ PTSD which leads to alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, and a general withdrawal from life.

*I can hear the cringes now. “These holidays are for solders. Don’t go changing traditions. That’s disrespectful to the military. Thank them for their service you ________, teacher!”) Right. I cringe too.

Agree to disagree with my courtesy call, but at least consider casualties of war. Whether it is a civil or a collective war can we acknowledge that it is about sacrifice, commitment and the tragedy of human beings under insufferable conditions? Especially coerced conditions created by corrupt crooks. (Look, I don’t know why I start writing like Dr. Seuss, I just do).

If nothing else I choose to learn and then act. I choose to find some time to be quiet and to remember. It’s about honoring people. I think we bring dishonor when we use these holidays to buy cheap mattresses, drink and party with no regard as to the why. Educate.