To me the image below is so moving and clearly explains why we celebrate Memorial Day. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of being off work for a day, finally (fingers crossed) enjoying nice weather, grilling out, handing with friends, etc. I mean we are only human but it's really important to actually understand why we celebrate Memorial Day. You can thank a veteran or service member any day of the week, in fact we should be thanking them every day, but Memorial Day is not for them. Memorial Day is meant to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military. The ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Now no one is saying you shouldn't enjoy the long weekend. Please kick off the summer season in the best way you know how but I chose this image for my Make It Through Monday moment, powered by Winkie's Hallmark & Gifts, to remind us to take a moment on Memorial Day to remember and honor those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. According to History.com, each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00pm local time. It's unclear where the tradition came from but I plan to keep it going. As you know the Hannah Radio Show kicks off every weekday at 3:00pm so when I start my show on Monday I will keep up with that tradition and will take a brief moment of silence and I encourage you to join me.
There are many things I love about Winkie's Hallmark & Gifts but one of the main reasons is how family oriented they are and how much they give back. They're a third generation family business and John (the third generation) and his wife have actually both served in the armed forces. If you're in Winkie's Hallmark & Gifts and see John be sure to thank him for his service. Also while you're in there have fun shopping! Here's some advice: if you get caught up in the rows upon rows of cards they have and can't decide, ask the team for help! They're all fantastic! Definitely stop at the candy counter. Calories don't exist in Winkie's! ;) Keep going past candy counter and check out all the cool Wisconsin, Milwaukee, local stuff they have. You'll want everything! You can find Winkie's Hallmark & Gifts on the corner of Silver Spring and Lake Drive in Whitefish Bay.