Memorial Day is sacred to all war veterans. But what about the general public and, more importantly, future generations? Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of May 30? Changing the date merely to create a three-day weekend has undermined the meaning of the day. For many, Memorial Day has become simply another day off from work. Perhaps a reminder is due.

Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America's collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime. Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually knew. That's why they are all collectively remembered on one day.

Such commemoration should be regarded as a civic obligation. By honoring the nation's war dead, we preserve their memory and, thus, their service and sacrifice in the memories of future generations. The military men and women we honor on Memorial Day came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But they all had one thing in common-love of and loyalty to country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trial, allowing them, despite their diverse backgrounds, to achieve monumental ends.

On Memorial Day, America commemorates those who made the greatest sacrifice possible, giving up their lives for ours. The means of paying tribute vary, but pausing for a moment of silence is available to everyone. Attending commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating remembrance. We can, for example, place flags at gravesites, sponsor patriotic programs, dedicate memorials, and wear poppies. Public displays of patriotism are essential if the idea of remembering our nation's fallen heroes is to be instilled in the young.

As America's 12 million war veterans fast disappear from society's landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed. Let us keep Memorial Day strong.