Five years ago around this time, most of us were sitting in our homes as it was the height of the COVID pandemic. The only death we were seeing was that of people who sadly succumbed to the virus. But being it was Memorial Day, and the weather was getting warmer. People were told if they were outside, the spread of the virus would be less. After being trapped in the house for so long, everyone was excited about socializing. This was until the video began to circulate of George Floyd being murdered by a police officer. This changed the way we moved because now we were in a state of rage. Just when we were to start having some fun. What followed was a declaration to combat systemic racism that exist in our society. After that, what came was a time of solidarity and love amongst the people.
Now today is Memorial Day 2025, the rage is not as great, but we are no longer in this state of solidarity and love. We are at a time when a lot of what was talked about 5 years ago is now being slowly pushed to the side. Each day, society is being tested with new events that make us question the progress made in the last few years. For myself, I often think, was that time five years ago, the last time our society cared for each other. Was this the last time we led with solidarity and love.
The Memorial Day holiday is a day to honor people who died while serving in our country’s military. It’s also considered the official start to the summer season. In memory of all of those who have died fighting for a country they loved. And, in memory of George Floyd who died in a country that he knew and loved. Let’s move through this summer season in solidarity and love. Every situation we are faced with may not make us feel good. But if we lead with this, those who have died can rest well knowing the sacrifice they made has moved us in a better direction.