Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using Memorial Day in USA to remember all kinds of people, not just those in the military. I know technically it’s supposed to be about honoring soldiers who died in service, but for a lot of us, the word "memorial" just means thinking about anyone we’ve lost. My family always visits my great-grandparents' graves around Memorial Day, and we talk about their lives—even though they weren’t soldiers. It just feels right to take a day to remember everyone who meant something to you.

Some people say it’s disrespectful to shift the focus, but I actually think it’s the whole point of having a memorial day: to honor and remember important people, whether they wore a uniform or not. I mean, every community has its own heroes, and it’s totally valid to show respect for them too. As long as you remember the day’s roots and maybe set some time aside for the original meaning, adding your own traditions doesn’t hurt anyone. To me, it actually makes Memorial Day feel more personal and real.