Start international ‘1-9 Day’ holiday

Memorial Day began during the American Civil War to honor those who died in battle. In 1971, it became a national holiday. Flowers or flags placed on graves remember fallen soldiers, deceased loved ones and ancestors. Some holidays, originated from tragic circumstances, inspire reflection and gratitude.

Let’s start an annual international “1-9 Day” holiday. Covid-19 worldwide “shelter-in-place” mandates showed it can be done. However, God deserves the holiday’s credit since it is like the “Festival of Shelters,” a joyous Jewish celebration dating back thousands of years.

Essential services with limited hours would give everyone a chance to enjoy the festivities. Ceasefire agreements, industries, businesses, restaurants, schools and government agencies would close for nine days. The global pandemic shutdowns prove it is possible.

The elderly population suffered the greatest losses and with them history died. Commemorate history with traditional food, games, dance, music, films and other cultural, ethnic and religious events. Remember the past, starting with world history, national, state/province, region/county, town/ city, community, family and personal stories.

Recounting history would be an opportunity to discover the good and bad throughout the ages. The challenge and goal would be to find how it ultimately turned out for a greater good.

Ignite a spirit of unity, forgiveness for past offenses, hope for the future, with conviction to improve our faults and failures and encouragement to keep doing the good things.

To counter Covid-19’s isolation regulations, respond with food, fun and fellowship. Rested, restored, rejuvenated and being thankful is the “1-9 Day” holiday aspiration.

Michele Lincoln Lahaina