Memorial Day is around the corner, and I believe we may have pushed aside its original purpose in our efforts to rush spring into summer vacation time. It is true, here at the Shore, that tourism is a very big part of our identity and income, but maybe this year we could stop for a few hours and share the true essence of Memorial Day with the next generation or even the generation beyond.

For those who are unable to quickly say what Memorial Day is about, it is a day set aside to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and died while fighting to keep our country free. It was originally called Decoration Day because families took time to honor those they loved and lost in battle by placing flowers upon their graves. I have fond memories of my grandmother doing just that.

I do not remember my grandmother driving anywhere other than to the cemetery. We were from a small town, and Grandma walked where she needed to go or had items delivered to her house. She lived less than a block from our family – her second-born son being my father.

Prior to Memorial Day Grandma would purchase flowers, peatmoss and dirt that she packed into the car along with her tools and old metal sprinkling can and then invited me to go to the cemetery with her. It was such a privilege to be asked go anywhere with my grandmother, as I thought the very best of her. She was a dear, godly woman who spoke softly, laughed often and taught Vacation Bible School to all the local kids, including me.

It was a long, slow drive to the cemetery, but then, we were on a somber mission. She parked as close to the graves of her ancestors and her youngest son, who died of leukemia, as she could manage and then we unpacked all the items. I sat quietly and watched as she tenderly cared for each grave, digging in the grass and dirt just in front of the gravestone to make way for her beautiful spring flower additions.

I could tell her memories were before her because she seldom spoke as she made each grave beautifully ready for Memorial Day. What a lovely memory that is for me – my dear grandmother in her spring dress, on her knees, planting flowers for her loved ones.

Next week we celebrate those whom we and others have loved who fought and died so that we freely can live in our marvelous United States. My husband Neil and I always attend the Memorial Day service held in Ocean City rain or shine. Our older veterans are becoming fewer on this side of eternity, and so they too are honored as we honor those who have served in any of our armed forces during war and peacetime.

For those of us blessed by God to be born and raised in the United States, we especially on this day should be proud to honor those who have allowed our country to stay free for almost 250 years. For those who have come from other nations to live among us because they cherish our land’s history and opportunities, they too are invited to join us on this occasion to give a respectful thank-you to those men and women who served, allowing this country to remain a greatly desired place to live. When I see new immigrants serving in our military it makes me very proud that they are so honored to be Americans that they are willing to give their lives, if necessary, to defend their chosen country.

Of all the peoples in the world I believe God has blessed us the most – those of us who were chosen by Him to start our lives on American soil. There are many beautiful lands in this world, but there is a wonderful reason why people from other nations are seeking to move here – the opportunities provided to us in the U.S.A. are rare in this world. It does not matter if you desire to work for a living with your hands or with your mind, all of us in the United States of America can live a good and decent life because of our wisely written Constitution and our strong military.

So, join me as I pass along to others the reason we honor those who fought for the freedom of this great land. It was a privilege for Neil and me to serve, and it is a privilege to honor others who have done even more by giving the ultimate price of their lives so that we may enjoy the sun and sand on Memorial Day.

Editor’s note: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.