Those We Remember

Kallista Wiseman (she/her)

Editorial Team Member

Every year on the last Monday of May, it has been a long favored American tradition to honor those who have died. Whether they are a parent, sister, cousin, veteran, most families flock to the cemeteries to remember and honor their memories. It is a solemn holiday but not one without its moments as we gather together in the classic American barbecue style and find ourselves awash with laughter and good tidings. 

Every year, my family comes together. Whether we are cooking ribs, burgers, hot dogs, or brats, we always take the time to catch up and laugh with one another. The winter freeze thawing into spring. It might be just like any other family get together, but it is a momentary respite where we can look forward to our summer plans before life becomes busy. We celebrate and praise our veteran family members: my grandfather, who was a paratrooper in the Vietnam War, and both my great-grandfathers, who fought in the army during World War II. I am grateful to veterans such as them, who took on the brave duty of fighting for us. I genuinely do not know who we would be without them. Even veterans now deserve just as much respect as they work to keep us safe.

This leads me to the next part of our Memorial Day ritual: visiting the cemetery. The cemetery is a bittersweet experience for me, as I imagine it is for most people. Both my families’ familial graves are near the same little lake. It is a trip that I believe connects me with family members and ancestors I never got to know. I wonder what these people were like: those I share both a name and DNA with. My mother’s family grave specifically, as it has been in the family for over fifty years at this point. It’s interesting seeing the graves for people I never knew and don’t understand how we were related. This experience of honoring our past relatives is something special, I hope everyone can experience. 

Memorial Day is a time to be with family. To remember who you have and make the most of the present, as well as to honor those you didn’t know and those you lost. It is about honoring the veterans who fought for us and having fun with your family. I hope that I, and everyone will be able to have this experience now and in the future.