This time of year, I still remember my visit to Pearl Harbor and Normandy. Although both visits were years ago, my memories have brought me back to these memorable places every year. As we celebrate Memorial Day, I hope we all can take a moment to remember the ultimate price of fighting for our freedom for our lives. I also want people to continue traveling and learn about the people and culture of the places they visit, even in the United States. Learn to respect each other and learn from different cultures, and we can work together to maintain our democracy. God bless America!
One of my favorite things to travel is to learn about the history of the places we visited. Like many others, I read books and watch movies before traveling to better understand what I’m going to see. This really added to my travel experience. It made me excited about the journey and I watched everything I saw differently.
What do we remember in the Memorial Diary?
When Memorial Day comes, it is impossible for me not to reflect on our visits to Pearl Harbor and Normandy.
A few years ago, our trip to Pearl Harbor happened to be Memorial Day. This is not planned. We are in Hawaii and we want to visit Pearl Harbor on our trip. When we asked the hotel concierge about the hours and how long it would take to get there, he warned us that it would be crowded and people would line up early in the Memorial Day salute, so we should probably go another day.
Looking back
We thought about it for about two seconds and decided we had to go on Memorial Day. It doesn’t seem so inconvenient to line up in the beautiful weather of Hawaii.
Pearl Harbor Memorial Day Tradition
We set the alarm and at 5:00 AM we trekked Pearl Harbor. About 100 people gathered and waited for the opening at 8 a.m. As we waited, a military vehicle drove up and we saw an elderly man wearing a Hawaiian shirt get out with a belt of honor. The noise quickly passed through the line. This old man is a Pearl Harbor survivor. Then he started walking, and he did it every year on Memorial Day. He shook hands with everyone, asked people to take pictures, and chatted with the crowd.
I must admit that when I shook hands, there was a lump in my throat and thanked him for his service. It turns out that he was still the leader of the army that he would have heard later that morning.
So far, this is one of the most patriotic moments I have had the honor of experiencing.
What is the real meaning of Memorial Day?
Normandy
We drove through Normandy a few years ago while traveling through France. Of course, our first stop was the pastry shop for morning coffee and croissants. After catching the food, we walked along the waterfront village of Grandcamp-Maisy just to see what was there. We just wandered in the early morning. As we wandered, an elderly French gentleman approached us and asked in broken English if we were lost and needed help. We assured him that our French are not, we are not, and we are glad to be there. He told us that he loved the Americans and would thank him for help during the war. He wishes us all the best and keep moving forward.
What an unexpected moment. We may not often reflect on what the United States means to the rest of the world. For many, it is indeed a beacon of hope. We hope it will continue.
As we continued to explore Normandy, we went to the American Cemetery. We were both quiet and reflected on the many lives that were killed in this sacred place now. We watched videos at the American Cemetery like we did at Pearl Harbor, including real footage and interviews. You can’t help feeling the pride and huge losses expressed by the men and women you serve. Everyone tells their unique story and how they really fight for our freedom.
Do I remember my loved ones on Memorial Day?
On Memorial Day, I reflect on and cherish these memories. I hope that whether you are an American or any other nationality, you will take the time to remember those who fight and die for your freedom. Say prayer or thank you and remember those who make the ultimate sacrifice to make the world a better place, especially as we celebrate Memorial Day.
Many of us may not be able to spend time with family and friends. We can take the time to remember why we celebrate this holiest American holiday. It’s not for us, but about hot dogs, hamburgers and apple pie. It’s about those we lose who die to protect our freedom and protection. We must respect them and see that losing them is not futile. Become an active citizen, vote in every election, protest peacefully, contact your government officials, and help determine the future of the country. This is our privilege and responsibility.
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