Here in the United States, tomorrow is Memorial Day, when we honor those who gave their lives in war. It is a sobering, and important, opportunity for reflection on sacrifice and gratitude.
And while we prepare to mourn those losses, there are also unprecedented losses in another struggle. This morning, The New York Times printed the names of 1000 people who have died from COVID-19. The entire front page, and two additional pages, were devoted to the names and brief details of their lives.
I’ve been reading the list throughout the morning, and it is a very emotional experience.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “memorial” as “serving to preserve remembrance”. Today, I find myself in a memorial attitude, focusing on remembering the tragic loss of life in both history and the present moment. I am also cognizant of the fact that losses in conflict and disease are not limited to my home country, but affect the entire world.
The need for remembrance is not an issue of nationality or politics, but a fundamental part of what makes us human. I hope that we all devote some time to reflection and memorial.
Stay safe. Be well. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Amanda Cade 
A sobering post and good on the Times for showing the Covid victims are more than just a statistic. A truly sad situation. Stay well Amanda and I wish you a good Memorial Day weekend. Allan
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When you consider that the list is only 1% of the deaths in just this country, it’s so hard to process the enormity of the situation. Thank you for commenting, Allan, and I hope that you are also stay well.
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Well said Amanda.
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Thank you.
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Hi Amanda. I’m crying with you. Stay strong. We will get through this together.
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I think that’s the only way we’ll get through it. Together in spirit, even if we’re not together physically. Take care.
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My husband said this morning America is experiencing war, yet we are not calling it a war. But it is.
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Without any skin in the game, Memorial Day is just another long weekend to picnic. Those of us who served, do have skin in the game. We remember the loss of a buddy in war or because of war. It’s still painful after 50 years. Now, with no parades to really memorialize, it’s even worse to feel forgotten.
However, Americans and citizens around the world, now have their own skin in a game. No one will alive will ever forget the loss of life due to a pandemic not seen in 100 years. Covid-19 is something that needs to be mourned for the destruction it has caused. A global day of mourning would be a start, followed by a memorial every year just as a reminder that we all have skin in this game now, and we can’t forget it like we forgot the last pandemic. History seems to repeat when you least expect it.
Sorry for the ramble, Amanda. Your post was heartfelt. Stay well. Happy Memorial Day !
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I completely agree. My father, grandfather, three uncles, and many friends are veterans, and almost all of them lost friends in various conflicts. One of my childhood friends is still serving, and his oldest son enlisted last year. Memorial Day means a lot to my family, and feels especially poignant this year.
Thank you for your service, Dennis. You’re in my thoughts this weekend.
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Amanda, very well said!
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Thank you. This is a short post, but it took a long time to write. I’ve rarely had so much trouble trying to articulate what I was feeling.
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Came here via frenchc1955 and am glad to see someone add the COVID-19 casualty list to those who died in the line of this enemy’s fire. Doesn’t take away from literal veteran honor IMHO (Dad & Uncle served in WWII, hubby & 2 cousins in Vietnam and various nephews since Gulf War)
hugs
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I agree. I read somewhere recently that this is testing the limits of our compassion, but I think we should strive to make our compassion limitless. There is a strong military tradition in my family, as well. Take care and be well.
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Thanks for the follow. – I think you noticed I linked this post on my MemDay post, it gave me the nudge to do my own!
Stay safe
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Very well said. Stay well Amanda.
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Thank you. Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day.
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🙏😇
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Well written. Stay safe!
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Thank you, and you do the same.
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