This Memorial Day, a striking display of poppies on the National Mall serves as a somber tribute to the 600,000 American service members who have died in combat since World War I. The article reminds us that beyond barbecues and long weekends, the holiday is fundamentally about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Editor’s Note: It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities of a long weekend, but this story brings us back to the heart of Memorial Day—remembering the real human cost of war. The visual impact of 600,000 poppies (each representing a life lost) makes that sacrifice impossible to ignore. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and maybe even reconsider how we observe the holiday.