Eastern Kentucky University
Memorial Day: More than Picnics and Softball
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Jon McChesney; Shellie McChesney
Abstract
Memorial Day dates to 1868, although it was not until 1971 that Congress officially recognized this day of remembrance with the National Holiday Act. Counter to what many Americans think, Memorial Day is not a day set aside for picnics and softball tournaments. As we continue to be mired in war in Iraq and a global war on terrorism, the time is right for parks and recreation professionals to pause and consider their philosophical perspectives on Memorial Day. Should organized recreation activities and sports events be played on this day? This qualitative study focused on the perceptions of veterans and their families towards Memorial Day. Those interviewed affirmed the importance of recreation to community building, but indicated the sacrifices our soldiers made to nation building are worthy of our focus one day each year. One veteran’s daughter summarized the feelings held by most study participants: Organized recreation activities should not be played on Memorial Day. It is just like sports being played on Thanksgiving Day. People are looking to something to entertain them, when they should be looking to thank the people that have allowed them to have what they have today. I was angry when I learned I had a softball game on Memorial Day. I felt as though I was letting my deceased father down. I can't even describe in words how proud I am of my father and grandfather. They fought for a country that they believed in and to this day I thank them for it.
Memorial Day: More than Picnics and Softball
Memorial Day dates to 1868, although it was not until 1971 that Congress officially recognized this day of remembrance with the National Holiday Act. Counter to what many Americans think, Memorial Day is not a day set aside for picnics and softball tournaments. As we continue to be mired in war in Iraq and a global war on terrorism, the time is right for parks and recreation professionals to pause and consider their philosophical perspectives on Memorial Day. Should organized recreation activities and sports events be played on this day? This qualitative study focused on the perceptions of veterans and their families towards Memorial Day. Those interviewed affirmed the importance of recreation to community building, but indicated the sacrifices our soldiers made to nation building are worthy of our focus one day each year. One veteran’s daughter summarized the feelings held by most study participants: Organized recreation activities should not be played on Memorial Day. It is just like sports being played on Thanksgiving Day. People are looking to something to entertain them, when they should be looking to thank the people that have allowed them to have what they have today. I was angry when I learned I had a softball game on Memorial Day. I felt as though I was letting my deceased father down. I can't even describe in words how proud I am of my father and grandfather. They fought for a country that they believed in and to this day I thank them for it.