Column: Teach young people the importance of Memorial Day

By State Senator Patrick Testin

As we get older, it seems like days – and sometimes even weeks or months – move by in the blink of an eye.

Although they are different to varying degrees, we all have our own responsibilities that we must fulfill every day, and oftentimes life can become so overwhelming that it makes your head spin. And then you have to get up the next day and do it all over again.

With those hectic daily routines, it’s easy to understand why people can get so physically and mentally exhausted and lose sight of what’s really important.

It is essential that we make the time to recognize things that are bigger than ourselves, and Memorial Day provides the perfect opportunity to do just that.

On Monday, there will be no shortage of parades or ceremonies that you can attend to pay tribute to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can remain the land of the free.

If you want to show your respects in other ways, you can always stop by a military memorial or museum. These places are usually filled with objects – like weapons and uniforms – that tell the stories of the people who fought and died for our freedom.

If you are uncomfortable around crowds, you can instead visit a local cemetery to honor those military members or decorate graves with flowers and flags. Furthermore, you can wear a poppy, hang an American flag on your property, watch the national program, or take a moment of silence.

No matter which option you choose, please try to include a young person who might not fully grasp the full significance of Memorial Day.

If we are able to get them actively involved in commemorating our fallen heroes at a younger age, it will have more meaning for them once they become older and life starts getting in the way.

State Senator Patrick Testin represents Wisconsin’s 24th District.