Desert residents remember true meaning of Memorial Day
Memorial Day often marks the beginning of the summer vacation season, with thousands hitting the road to take advantage.
The resulting increase in traffic made it’s way to the valley again this year, but many people decided to keep it local.
Pools and parks were full of people relaxing and firing up the grill on Monday.
Burgers, hot dogs and carne asada seemed to be the most popular for those keen on making the most of the long weekend and the beautiful weather.
Roberta Principe decided to head out to Civic Center Park in Rancho Mirage. She tells us, “We just came out to this beautiful park to walk around, get out of the house a little bit it’s a beautiful day.”
Antonio Rodriguez and his family also hit the park to enjoy its amenities. “We’re cooking the carne asada and you know just have a good time over here with everybody,” Rodriguez says.
But, memorial day is not just another day off.
Roberta says, “I think a lot of people remember but maybe there are people that come out as if it’s a holiday, you know not working and enjoying the day.”
With all of the barbeques and outdoor fun, sometimes we forget why we’re able to enjoy such freedoms.
Congressman Raul Ruiz spoke at several Memorial day events, telling us, “When we’re in our BBQ’s today with our families, let’s put a little extra stake in remembrance to them. Let’s cheers in remembrance to them. Let’s have a moment of silence in our communities in remembrance to all those that have died today so that we can have the liberties that we have so that we can have the liberties that we have.”
Over one million troops have given their lives to ensure our freedoms remain intact, a number that grows almost everyday.
“I think about my deceased loved ones you know,” Roberta says, “and some of the people that have died in service to our country and yeah, it’s a day of remembering.”
For those brave men and women who have and continue to serve, we owe it to them to remember.
Rodriguez continues, “This is part of the American history and we know that and we really appreciate what these people did for us that’s why we’re here enjoying this and we don’t forget that.”
