Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Families and friends will gather for cookouts, beach trips, and pool openings across the country. While many head to the shore, I’ll be making a different kind of pilgrimage this weekend – driving down to West Orange, New Jersey, to host the second Alercio OLine Clinic of the year on Sunday from 9am-1pm.
This timing allows me to return home for Monday’s Memorial Day observance, a day that deserves our full attention and respect. Memorial Day isn’t just another three-day weekend – it’s a solemn day of remembrance and patriotic reflection as we honor the men and women of the United States military who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage and sacrifice are the reason we can freely gather for those beach trips, backyard cookouts, and yes, even offensive line clinics.
The freedoms we often take for granted – the ability to coach young athletes, to build character through sports, to gather and compete – were secured by those who never made it home. Every snap we teach, every block we perfect, every lesson about perseverance and teamwork we share with our players exists because brave Americans paid the ultimate price for our liberty.
On Monday, I encourage you to truly observe Memorial Day with the reverence it deserves. Display your flag (half-staff until noon, then full staff until sunset). Attend a local memorial service or parade if possible. Place flowers or a wreath on the grave of a fallen hero. Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm local time. Some of you might even tackle the Murph Challenge – that grueling tribute workout of a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another 1-mile run, ideally while wearing a 20-pound weighted vest. It’s named after Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005.
But whatever you do, don’t let this day pass without remembering why we truly celebrate. The barbecues and beach days are wonderful, but they’re made possible by those who gave everything so we could enjoy such freedoms.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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