Memorial Day began in the blood drenched years after the American War Between the States as a solemn remembrance of the lives claimed by that war. Today the holiday is more about enjoying the beginnings of summer, avoiding the office, and with offerings of grilled food and beer. At Beer of Tomorrow, we are all for the BBQs and beer (make it craft though please) but we want to take a brief moment to reflect upon the millions of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have died in service of our great country. 

Solemn remembrance is important, but it is far from the only aspect of the holiday. Officially the American flag is flow at half-mast, but only until noon when it is raised to full-staff as a gesture of resolve to honor the sacrifices made by the dead. Sadly, we don’t have a flagpole to fly old glory from, but each time we open an American-made craft beer today we resolve to take a moment of reflection on the people who fought so that we could enjoy a cold one.

America has been mired in a period of active, bloody, costly conflict for the longest time in its history and it is easy to forget that our brothers and sisters are fighting and dying every day. Regardless of your beliefs about the legitimacy or legality of the conflicts, the men and women fighting over-seas and protecting our country here at home deserve our respect and our thanks.

So let’s all raise our glass to America’s heroes.