Have an Honored Memorial Day

Our cemetery is swarming with the military this morning. It’s not an easy thing to try to put a flag on every military marker in our cemeteries (we have three). We’re the only cemeteries in our area that aren’t funded by government dollars so everything we do comes from us. Having our ladies and gentlemen from the military take time out of their holiday is an honor to us and the families we serve. They salute every flag they place down and they do so with precision and care. It’s an enormous undertaking and it is appreciated by all.

I’m working the whole holiday season because death doesn’t stop and families are still experiencing tragedy in the midst of other’s celebration. Just yesterday, while others were out putting flowers and flags on graves we had a burial for a Muslim infant (four hours from death to grave) as those around witnessed how another culture honors their dead, and how we as funeral directors help. It always amazes me how many people in the Muslim community immediately stop what they’re doing (leave work, leave meals being prepared, leave obligations, leave holiday plans) and take part in the ritual. Whereas in contrast, a lot of other cultures will try to have a service on a Saturday so no one has to miss work. It blows my mind how we do this to ourselves.

I don’t say “Happy Memorial Day” because for most who’ve lost a veteran it is not always a “happy” one, but instead “Have an Honored Memorial Day” and know that we remember those who are no longer here.