Memorial Day--what's it REALLY about?

[Marc Winter]

As we observe Memorial Day today, I think it’s important we stop for a moment and remember what this day is really about. It’s not really about burgers, the lake, or getting the yard furniture out.

It’s about the men and women who never made it home.

No matter where somebody stands politically, I think we can all agree that kind of sacrifice deserves our respect and gratitude. 

At the same time, I think a lot of families are feeling something else this year too--life has simply gotten more expensive.

The Memorial Day BBQ that used to feel pretty simple now feels like a minor financial event. Gas prices are up, ground beef is up, coffee is up, airline tickets are up. And honestly, most folks don’t need some economist on television to explain inflation to them. We feel it every single week at the grocery store and gas pump.

A lot of this recent inflation spike is tied to rising energy prices and instability overseas. Once oil moves higher, it has a nasty habit of working its way into almost everything else.

The way I see it, a lot of Americans right now are trying to keep living normal lives while quietly adjusting to a world that simply costs more than it did a few years ago.

And I think that cautious mindset is starting to show up everywhere like in the housing market, in our own consumer spending, and even in holiday weekends like this one

Still, I hope folks take a little time today to enjoy family, slow down a bit, and reflect on why this holiday exists in the first place.

And to the military families, veterans, and especially the families of those who gave their lives in service to this country:

Thank you!