Memorial Day Essay

Memorial Day Memorial Day is the day in which we honor those who have served our nation. In the United States, it is observed on the last Monday of May. Service to our nation can include a plethora of tasks. These tasks can vary from washing the toilets on a warship to fighting on the front lines. The patriotism exhibited by the people of the United States is something to be very proud of. It is a true privilege to be a citizen of such a great nation. “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” said President John F. Kennedy. It comes down to what you, as a person, are willing to do to assist your country. Will you just work for yourself in hopes of getting wealthy or will you serve your country? Service to one’s nation is a thing of honor and one should gladly take part in “defending freedom.” Although people think the phrase “serving your country” refers to military service. Currently, the American military is an “all-volunteer” force. While a draft has been done a few times, that is not the only form of service. There a number of federal non-military public service programs such as AmeriCorps, in which volunteers can provide services to the public such as public education or building public housing. Also, there are the Peace Corps, in which volunteers would help with public service worldwide. Service is not just military involvement, but more of deeds to help better the nation or people.
I intend to use the benefits of being an American to help pay back the honor of being an American. The benefits of being an American include the rights to free expression, assemble, and protest. These rights in themselves are more than what other nations will ever provide to their people. It is the things such as these rights that make America stand out in particular from the majority of other nations. In addition, America has incredible diversity and with this diversity comes a variety of perspectives, voices in the government, and