Lots of thoughts floating around, but none seem to have made it down to the keyboard.

One thing I always noted was the significance of Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) immediately preceding Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day).

Israel is a country that pays a high price to continue to exist and the placement of the memory of those who sacrificed for the country just ahead of the celebrations for the existence of Israel provides tremendous meaning to both days.