MEMORIAL DAY
Good afternoon, dear friends! Do you know what Americans are remembering today? Today is Memorial Day — one of the most meaningful holidays in the United States.
At first glance, it may seem like a long weekend: families have barbecues, people travel, and many see it as the beginning of summer. But behind this peaceful picture there is a much more serious meaning.
Memorial Day is a day when Americans honor the men and women who died while serving in the military. The holiday began after the American Civil War, when people started decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers and flags. That is why it was first called Decoration Day.
Today, many Americans visit cemeteries and memorials. Volunteers place small American flags on soldiers’ graves, and many towns hold parades and ceremonies. These traditions remind people that freedom is not something we should take for granted.
There is a well-known phrase connected with this idea: Freedom is not free. It means that peace, safety, and independence often come at a very high price. Some people gave their lives so that others could live freely.
So, Memorial Day is not only about the past. It is about memory, gratitude, and respect — and about remembering that freedom is precious and should never be taken for granted.
1. meaningful [ˈmiːnɪŋfəl] — adj. значимый, имеющий глубокий смысл;
2. at first glance [ət ˈfɜːrst ɡlæns] — phr. на первый взгляд;
3. to honor [ˈɑːnər] — v. чтить, выражать уважение;
4. military [ˈmɪləteri] — n. вооружённые силы; adj. военный;
5. grave [ɡreɪv] — n. могила;
6. cemetery [ˈseməteri] — n. кладбище;
7. to take something for granted [tə teɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ fər ˈɡræntɪd] — phr. воспринимать что-либо как должное;
8. independence [ˌɪndɪˈpendəns] — n. независимость;
9. gratitude [ˈɡrætɪtuːd] — n. благодарность;
10. respect [rɪˈspekt] — n. уважение.
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