![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
While I was flipping through the newspaper this morning, it was hard to miss the words “Memorial Day Sale” written on practically every page: Macy’s Memorial Day Sale, 50% off on all sofas at Ashley’s Furniture, Airport Home Appliance free deliveries.
But shouldn’t Memorial Day be so much more?
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was first celebrated after the Civil War to commemorate the death of both the Union and Confederate soldiers. In 1868, General John A. Logan observed the holiday on May 30, 1868 as the day to honor the soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery by decorating their graves with flowers.
Following the Civil War, several Northern states began to recognize the holiday, but most Southern states refused to acknowledge it. Eventually, Congress recognized Memorial Day in 1971 with the passing of the National Holiday Act.
Memorial Day is supposed to be a day that we as a nation set aside to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live freely and safely. It is for the men and women who leave everything behind to defend their country and people they do not even know. They are the epitome of strength, selflessness, and courage.
I myself take the safety, protection, and service of the U.S. military for granted. Like many other Americans, I live with freedom, comfort, and peace without thinking twice.
It is sometimes hard for me to remember those who have died to protect this country because nobody I know personally has been part of the military. I have never gone through the experience of having family or friends I love go off to war, let alone have them never return. Like much of our nation, I have lost touch with the true meaning of this holiday.
With another tough school year coming to a close, I am absolutely stoked to celebrate the start of summer with this three day weekend. But as I celebrate, I think it is necessary to remember how lucky I am so live such a safe life.
Lack of security is something that does not even cross my mind on a day to day basis, and for that, I give out a heartfelt thank you to those who have given up their lives to keep our nation protected.
