Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is more than a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It is a solemn tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom. As we gather for barbecues and beach trips, it’s critical—especially for young Americans—to pause and reflect on the true meaning of this day and why remembering it matters.
The origins of Memorial Day trace back to the Civil War, a conflict that claimed over 600,000 lives. In 1868, General John A. Logan established Decoration Day to honor the fallen by decorating their graves, a tradition that evolved into the national holiday we observe today.
Over time, Memorial Day expanded to commemorate all American service members who died in every war, from World War I to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These sacrifices secured the liberties we often take for granted—freedom of speech, the right to vote, and the pursuit of happiness.
For young people, Memorial Day can feel distant. The wars of the past may seem like history lessons, and the names on memorials may not resonate personally. Yet, the freedoms we enjoy today—whether it’s posting on social media, chasing career dreams, or living without fear of oppression—are rooted in the courage of those who fought and died. Every soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine who gave their life did so for a future they would never see, a future that belongs to us.
Why must the younger generation remember? Because memory is a bridge between the past and the present. When we forget the cost of freedom, we risk becoming complacent, assuming these liberties are guaranteed. They are not.
The world is not always kind, and history shows that freedom is fragile. By honoring the fallen, young Americans can cultivate gratitude and a sense of duty to protect what was so dearly won. This doesn’t necessarily mean enlisting in the military—though we honor those who do—but rather engaging as active citizens: voting, staying informed, and fostering unity in a divided world.
There are simple, meaningful ways to keep Memorial Day’s spirit alive. Visit a local veterans’ cemetery and place flowers or flags on graves. Attend a Memorial Day ceremony in your community; many towns host parades or moments of silence. Learn about a fallen hero—perhaps through organizations like the Veterans Legacy Memorial, which shares stories of service members. Even a quiet moment of reflection at 3:00 p.m. local time, during the National Moment of Remembrance, can ground us in gratitude.
Social media, a platform young people know well, can also amplify this message. Share a story of a fallen hero, post about a local Memorial Day event, or use hashtags like #HonorTheFallen to spark conversations. These small acts remind us that patriotism isn’t just waving a flag—it’s recognizing the human cost behind it.
To the youth of America: Memorial Day is your day, too. The sacrifices of the past were made for you, for your future. By remembering, you ensure their legacy endures. You show that their lives were not lost in vain.
Today, let’s commit to more than a day off. Let’s honor the fallen by living lives worthy of their sacrifice—bold, free, and grateful.
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.