As the last full week of school draws to an end, I hear multiple phrases in the hallway from excited students  about how a three-day weekend is coming up. The constant conversations of people planning weekend get- aways with their families, as well as the hopes of catching up on homework and sleep before the last two  weeks of school starts. Yet, as we rush about over the excitement, we forget why we are really getting this day off. Students are excited about being able to sleep in on the Monday off, and be able to go to barbecues  and hang out with their friends; however, they do not appreciate as to why they are being given the day to  themselves.

“The delightful Memorial Day brings joy to my heart for I may slumber for an extra 180 minutes,” remarked sophomore Jessie Amga while expressing her happiness at the fact that we will have a whole day off.

Memorial Day this year is on May 28th. It always takes place on the last Monday of May, also marking the last official school holiday of the year before summer vacation begins. Obviously, it is something fun to think about, especially because the weather is usually amazing during this time. Memorial Day has a much greater significance, though.

Memorial Day is a day when all of America comes together to remember those who have lose their lives during battles for this nation. The source of its beginnings is not accurately known since so many cities claim to be the one to have started it. However, the first state to begin honoring this day was New York in 1873. Many of the states began joining in, and now, all 50 states honor this day.

As years passed, the significance of Memorial Day became less and less, and now it is no longer honored the way it used to be. In the past, red poppies used to be worn on Memorial Day, as a pin on various outfits during the day. Veterans of war, as well as students and children used to go to the graves of the dead soldiers and lay down flowers and flags. However, in today’s days, Memorial Day has just become more of an excuse to have the day off, and the only reason we really even bother not attending work and school is because it is a national holiday and ordered by the government.

“Schools always find it challenging to provide recognition on holidays when schools are not in session.  We could definitely do better in this regard.  I think it is an important day,” said principal Kaine Osburn when inquired about his thoughts on Memorial Day.

Osburn feels that it is a day that everyone should remember and also take out some time from their day to honor this day. According to him, the school should take a half day and have a parade, along with other recognitions, to make sure that Memorial Day still holds its significance.

“Every year I attend the Lincolnwood Memorial Day parade because it gives me a chance to watch veterans march in the parade and be paid honor by the community and see our  [NW Marching Band],” added Osburn.

senior Lia Sacks. Sacks lives in Lincolnwood and takes part in the parade with Niles West’s marching band every year.

“I guess what I like about Memorial Day in Lincolnwood is that it’s nice for the whole band to come together and honor something like this day, which is very important. It’s nice to honor this with the school and the students as well, so I think the school should also have an event where we can all come together,” said Sacks.

Memorial Day is more than just a reason to not attend school. It is much more than just a day to lay back and chill out. Even if Niles West does not honor the day at the school itself, it still does take part in the parade in Lincolnwood through the marching band, and it is wonderful to know that they do march along with the veterans of war and the families of those who have died during battles. It is difficult for schools to organize events such as this since many people have forgotten about Memorial Day and the meaning behind it. However, it is important that students are not ignorant about it, and atleast remember those brave soldiers who have given their lives for this nation.

The Lincolnwood Memorial Day parade is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 28th at 9:45 A.M. Everyone will assemble at Kow-Kow Restaurant and the parade will proceed from there. Following the parade, a Memorial ceremony will take place at 11:00 A.M. at Madeleine’s Garden. Everyone is allowed to attend.