Memorial Day and How I (Finally) Came to Understand the Ultimate Sacrifice

For many people in my generation (and my country in general), Memorial Day is an abstract holiday filled with booze, the beach, and an additional day added on to the weekend. For many, it signifies the official start of summer.

I’m not judging.

I, too, have partied through the weekend without paying my proper respects to those who have served our country and those who have paid the ultimate price.

No, I’m not proud of my negligence, particularly since I live in the Hampton Roads area. I am surrounded by bases, forts, ships, and those serving in our military. I have family and friends currently serving and those who are retired military members. I’ve had classmates who have died in combat.

So, why did it take me a trip to France for me to finally “get it?”

Last week, I was in Normandy, France. Literally. Just to clear up a common misconception, Normandy is not a…