Remembering the Meaning of Memorial Day

In all likelihood, Memorial Day this year will be a bit more somber, a bit less exuberant than in times past. But maybe the shift in mood is a good thing.

Matthew Murphy, 4, places a rose on a tombstone beside his father, Kevin Murphy, of Springfield, Va., during a volunteer event at Arlington National Cemetery ahead of Memorial Day on May 26, 2019. Tom Brenner/Getty Images

In more normal times, Memorial Day meant a three-day weekend, barbecues in the backyard with family and friends, trips to the beach or the lake, watching baseball, or NASCAR races on television.

For most of us, the day marks the beginning of summer and a more leisurely pace.