A Reflection on How We Mark Memorial Day – War on the Rocks
John Amble
27/05/2024
Editor’s Note The article was first published in 2014.
After writing this, I’ll stroll up to Swiss Cottage station, take the Jubilee line until Bond Street, and head east along the Central line from there. As I emerge from the London’s tangled underground network under its shadow, surrounded by the imposing cathedral dome St. Paul’s Cathedral. When I’m inside, I’ll walk towards the east of the cathedral and see it’s American Memorial Chapel. The chapel in the cathedral was damaged during the blitz of World War II, and the chapel was rebuilt in an honor to the Americans who perished in the war.
This is where I will go to reflect and mark this day. Memorial Day is at once an annual national holiday of celebration and a very personal one. Everyone experiences Memorial Day differently. Whatever way you experience it as a day, it’s one we mark as a country, where we have just a moment to think about the past.
There are certain memories that are always present, but are re-enacted each Memorial Day. I will always remember the moment when I learned of the very first member of my platoon in Officer Candidate School who was injured by a terrorist attack in Iraq as well as Afghanistan. I can remember my childhood memories of the “hero flights” that came to our bases to transport wounded service members on the initial stage of their return. I can remember the bracelets were worn, each of that had an initial of a loved one who had been who had passed away too quickly and how few wrists were not adorned with one during the war years that passed.
These were my own memories. Many of us have their own memories. They could be from the present conflicts or the past. They can be moving or brief. They could be about friends siblings and brothers as well as daughters and sons. neighbors, or even just someone that we’ve heard about. It isn’t a problem. This is the moment we have set aside to carry these memories to the next generation.
As each American will experience Memorial Day uniquely, we will each commemorate it in our own ways. I’ve attended a memorial ceremony at the chapel of the base of a tiny one in Baghdad I’ve viewed an evening sunset over the sand prairies in Helmand province from the top of the bunker; I’ve made the trek for a visit to Arlington National Cemetery; and this year, I’ll be heading to a small chapel of memorials situated in central London. A lot has transformed in my personal life after I ceased wearing ACUs. This day has been one thing that hasn’t changed.
Our calendar is full of holidays with iconic and significant objects connected to these holidays. Christmas has trees Thanksgiving is a turkey day Easter is a time for eggs and rabbits. Memorial Day is a blank canvas that we can use to mark the day in any way we feel suitable. Older people might share stories about their pals to grandchildren, children or great-grandchildren. Young vets may send emails to remind themselves of “that one time” that an individual friend performed something amazing, funny or even crazy prior to his being gone. There are those who visit cemeteries, while others be alone for a while or with family, while others spend a few minutes in the middle of an unruly and joyful day with their family or friends to reflect on what the day is. It doesn’t matter what we choose to do it. It’s only important that we take the time to do it.
We don’t usually use the phrase “happy Memorial Day.” It’s not a good idea. Therefore, in the name members of War on the Rocks I’ll just say that I hope that your weekend was a pleasant one and that you’re in a position to celebrate the day however you decide. If it’s right for you, then it’s the best way to go.
John Amble is the editorial director of the Modern War Institute at West Point. He is a senior military intelligence officer with the U.S. Army Reserve and is a veteran of Iraq as well as Afghanistan wars. He was the previous editor-in-chief for War on the Rocks.
Image: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Juliana Londono
