This weekend marks a holiday that has been celebrated for nearly 150 years. With so much history behind it, it’s amazing that for some, it holds no more significance than a day off and great discounts. When Memorial Day was first celebrated, it was to commemorate the fallen from the Civil War. That number reached nearly half a million and represented 17% of those who served. Today, there are fewer men and women in uniform, both active and reserve. However, imagine living in a time where every family likely knew someone who either served, or worse, died in service to their country. That is the reason behind Memorial Day… to honor the patriots who gave their lives in the name of freedom. Whether we support a conflict raging today or in the history books, we should never forget those who have stood—and fallen—to protect our nation.
We’ve got a great weekend ahead of us. As the unofficial start of summer, it is definitely a time to kick back and relax. From coast to coast, people will come together with friends and family to celebrate. Fun will definitely be on the agenda, as it should be, but it’s also our opportunity to salute the men and women―past, present and future―whose sacrifices make it possible for all of us to live free. So, as we gather at beaches and backyard barbecues, downtown parks and parades all across America, let’s not forget the true reason we celebrate Memorial Day.
In the spirit of the holiday, we are also sharing an article that was recently posted on ScrubsMag.com, discussing the military as a place to kick-start a nursing career. According to the post, the United States military is a fantastic place for nurses to see new places, learn new techniques and get the chance to serve the country alongside other brave men and women. Serving in the military as a nurse builds on your skills in a way that you don’t get in civilian settings. Nurses who are unsure of what they want to do after being certified may want to consider all of the benefits that being a military nurse brings. Click here to read the complete article.
Happy Memorial Day!