In the digital age, brands of all sizes try to spin holidays as an excuse to promote their products. Not us. Not today.
We usually use this space to promote a band who has been in regular rotation around the Haulix offices, but today is a little bit different. Here in the United States it’s Memorial Day, which is a time we as a nation set aside our work and hobbies to reflect on those who died fighting to protect the freedoms many of us take for granted.
As a music tech company, it would have been difficult to think of creative ways to tie what we do to the efforts of those we lost in battle without minimizing their valiant efforts, so we’re not going to go that route at all. We fight piracy, but we are not fighters. We defend an artist’s right to make a living off their creativity, but we are not defenders, or at least not in a literal sense. We are a team of people who sit behind computers and try to create new ways for people to securely share media. That’s it. We take pride in what we do, but to think it all compares with real soldiers who fight real wars and risk everything to ensure our safety would be foolish.
We recognize that we are only able to exist as we do today because of those brave men and women who are no longer with us. Our business, as well as the lifestyles of our team members, are possible because thousands of people we will never know died fighting for something greater than themselves. We can write blogs like this, attend parades, say prayers, and thank the veterans fortunate enough to make it home, but when all is said and done we still don’t feel like it’s enough. There is no way to express how grateful we are for the lives and careers we have been able to lead because of those who came before us, but we strive each and every day to be the best versions of ourselves possible so that their sacrifice has not been in vein. People died so that we could not only live, but thrive, and it’s on us to make the most of that opportunity. It’s also on us to remind one another to never forget the cost of our freedom or those who paid the bill.
So today, listen to whatever it is that brings you joy, and remember those who died so you could chase dreams, attend concerts, and altogether live the life you lead today. And if anyone reading this has fought for us and made it home – THANK YOU.
