As the BLPB’s ostensible Monday blogger, I have written in many years past on and about Memorial Day and other Monday holidays. I try to take a business-related approach, when possible. Last year, for example, I posted used an artificial intelligence approach to comment. In 2023, I took a more personal angle, reflecting on a family member–a civilian–who lost his life working in enemy territory in World War II. The holiday is so important! Yet, each year, I struggle a bit to find a new connection that may be of interest to readers. Of course, the main message is that it is important to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our country . . . .

I should be asking my co-blogger Marcia to author today’s post. On LinkedIn, she wrote about her father, who died earlier this year. She noted that while he did not die on the battle field, he did suffer and die as a result of his military service. This type of sacrifice is among the many we should and do remember on Memorial Day.

Although not all businesses close on Memorial Day, those that do offer all of us the opportunity to reflect and remember. In the hubbub of life for many of us, however, it is difficult to remember to remember. The photo above, taken by me on Saturday in Chicago, is evidence of what jolted me back into an attitude of remembering this year.

I was in Chicago for the Law and Society Association conference, presenting and attending presentations by colleagues. I also spent some of the time there, in between programs, grading exams and working on grade assignments. I was focused on working. When I am in that mode, I barely know what day it is. But I took some time off in between programs on Saturday to go out to lunch and walk around the city. In my wanderings, I came upon the city’s Memorial Day parade. I was surprised to see it. I had forgotten about the holiday weekend. I stopped to watch–and remember. I was given a flag–a flag that I took with me and have kept out to remind me to remember.

Monday holidays on which we are given time off from work may just seem like a welcomed day off. Undoubtedly, they typically are that. And sometimes, maybe they are merely that. But Memorial Day is one of those that is more than that for me. I know that those who have given their lives for the United States of America have helped to ensure that I am who I am today and that I have what I have today. I am grateful. And I am remembering them today. I hope you are, too.