Restore meaning to Memorial Day observance

As South Floridians prepare their propane grills and descend en masse to their nearest mall, enticed by the ever-growing array of holiday promotions, I sincerely hope all Americans will pause this weekend to recognize the true purpose of Memorial Day.

While the last Monday in May has evolved to signal the official start of summer, ushering in the season of backyard barbecues and beach vacations, we must restore intention to the day by revering the military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

How do we accomplish such a sacred task? We reflect. We practice gratitude. We eschew commercialism in favor of solemnity. Most importantly, we respect our nation’s war dead by remembering the living. We support surviving spouses, children, and family members through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). We grant veterans of WWII and the Korean War the opportunity to pay homage to their fallen brethren on an Honor Flight by visiting the monuments and memorials of Washington, D.C., erected as a tribute to the gallantry of their comrades lost in combat. Finally, we are obligated to maintain an existence worthy of the servicemen and women who did not return from the battlefield.

Today, just as I have for the last nine years, I will salute one of the finest men I have ever known: Marine Corps Sergeant William John “Bill” Cahir. Sgt. Cahir was killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on Aug. 13, 2009. Sgt. Cahir is laid to rest at Section 60, Arlington National Cemetery. Sgt. Cahir was a former journalist and congressional aide. Compelled to join the Marine Corps after 9/11, Sgt. Cahir’s commitment to the cause was so profound, he was granted a rarely-issued age waiver in order to enlist. Since meeting Sgt. Cahir during his 2008 campaign for Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District, I have been inspired by his selflessness, his passion, and his unyielding dedication to service.

As a TAPS volunteer, I have gladly raised thousands of dollars for the organization’s vital services. I have had the privilege of accompanying over 20 veterans of WWII and the Korean War on their Honor Flight. Each day, I work diligently to ensure my time on this Earth is spent bettering the lives of others, in celebration of the legacy of Sgt. Cahir and the thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, Coastguardsmen and women, and Marines who willingly laid down their lives for me and my fellow citizens.

Before you bite into your burger or haul home your new mattress, I invite you to join me in observing the real reason for Memorial Day: appreciating our war dead and honoring them through our actions.