Category: Holiday

Memorial Day: A Day to Honor, Not Celebrate

Honoring the Fallen: The True Purpose of Memorial Day On the last Monday of May, Americans across the country pause to recognize Memorial Day. While many mark it with gatherings, food, and time off, it is important to remember that this day was never intended to be a celebration.

Memorial Day is a day of mourning, not a holiday. It is a time to honor the men and women who died in service to the United States. These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Their lives were not lost for leisure or commerce. They were lost in the name of duty, honor, and country.

The Misconception of “Happy Memorial Day”

The phrase “Happy Memorial Day” is commonly used, but it is not appropriate. While well-meaning, it misrepresents the solemn nature of the day.

Memorial Day is not a festive occasion. It is a day of reflection and remembrance. Using the word “happy” diminishes the weight of the sacrifice made by those we are honoring. Imagine attending a funeral and hearing someone say “Happy Funeral.” It would feel disconnected and insensitive. The same applies here.

This Day Is Not About Barbecues or Boats

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the freedoms afforded to us. However, Memorial Day should begin with gratitude and reflection. Before lighting a grill or heading to the lake, take a moment to remember the reason the day exists.

It is not about sales, parties, or long weekends. It is about the soldiers who never made it home. It is about the empty chairs at dinner tables. It is about the folded flags handed to grieving families. And it is about remembering that our freedom has a price.

How to Honor Memorial Day with Purpose

If you are unsure how to properly observe Memorial Day, consider the following:

  • Visit a local cemetery or war memorial and pay your respects.
  • Attend a Memorial Day ceremony in your community.
  • Take a moment of silence at 3:00 PM during the National Moment of Remembrance.
  • Read about the life of a fallen soldier and share their story.
  • Teach your children about the significance of the day.

These are simple but powerful ways to show respect for those who gave everything.

City of Doral Veteran’s Park Memorial Day Ceremony.

A yearly celebration of veterans, the City of Doral, THe City of Doral Military Advisory Board and Vet Info place a wreath in memory of the fallen.

Mourning, Reflection, and Hope

Although Memorial Day is a day of mourning, it also holds a message of hope. It reminds us that we live in a country where people are willing to defend others, even at the cost of their lives. That kind of courage and selflessness should not only be remembered but should also inspire us to live lives of integrity, gratitude, and service.

Final Thought

Let us not forget that freedom is never free. It is paid for with the lives of the brave. On this Memorial Day, may we reflect with dignity, speak with reverence, and act with purpose.

To the fallen, we owe more than words. We owe remembrance.

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Memorial Day 2024

On May 27, 2024, Memorial Day, at the City of Doral Veterans Park, Vet Info in collaboration with the City of Doral and the Doral Military Advisory Board held a memorial service in remembrance of the fallen men and women who sacrificed for our freedom.

Veterans and members of the Doral community came together to honor our fallen heroes.

Today is not about barbeques, drinking beer on a boat, sleeping in because you do not have to go to work today, or even the word “Happy” as so many use to describe the day.

Today is a day to celebrate the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that we may do those things. A veteran said, “I can sleep at night, in peace, without fear because of their sacrifice”.

The cost is immeasurable!! A child growing up without their parent. A spouse without her partner. The passing of a family member and not being present. Missed games, ballet recitals, birthdays, and anniversaries are just standard operating procedures.

On this weekend of Memorial Day 2024, we implore you to take a moment and remember why you have the life that you have. Freedom is not free. It was paid by those heroic men and women who said, “I will give my life for you”.

Thank you to the following people for making Memorial Day 2024 a success.

  • SM William Fitzgerald Retired USMC conducted the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • Doral Police Department Chaplin Sgt Mulet gave the invocation.
  • SPC Napoles from the 13th Army Band performed TAPS.
  • LCMR Tony Chitwood US Navy Southern Command was the main speaker.
  • Mark Pinilla, Founder of Vet Info provided logistics and volunteers.
  • William “Bill” Watts US Army/Chair Military Advisory Committee
  • Chris Flynn US Air Force/Secretary Military Advisory Committee
  • City of Doral provided food from Sergios Restaurant in Doral
  • Starbucks on 41st and 115th Ave donated coffee.
  • Sports Clips on 41st St and 104th Ave donated haircut coupons.
  • Jersey Mikes Doral Plaza 58th Street and 107th Ave donated coupons.
  • City of Doral Police
  • City of Doral Parks Department


Special Guest in attendance:

  • Vice Mayor Oscar Puig
  • Council member Maureen Porras
  • Council member Rafael Pineyro
  • Derek Aguste Veteran & Military Affairs FIU
  • Samantha Pinilla President Student Veterans of America FIU
  • Kelly Aguste The Mission Continues
  • Amanda Khouri The Mission Continues
  • Amanda Rodriguez Veteran & Military Affairs FIU
  • Tomas Canela Mission United
  • Richard Bautista Veterans of Foreign Wars
  • Green Knights Southern Command
  • Costa Del Sol Run Club
  • William Fitzgerald IV Young Marines
  • Juan Carlos Esquivel Doral Voice Community Radio
  • Ettore Sabatella Doral Family Journal/Civil Air Patrol