I've always been confused when people say "Happy" Memorial Day.
This is a national day of remembrance for those who laid down their lives to keep us free. While this weekend is the official start of the summer season, that shouldn't trump solemnly reflecting on the sacrifices these brave souls made for the good of the country.
Guess I'm a party pooper. And, probably an old foggie too.
I am not an overly patriotic person, but I do have respect for people's acts of courage and dedication to the ideals of Mom, home and apple pie. I was taught to stand and cover my heart when the American flag passes in a parade. I served in the color guard at camp and school. I know that showing proper respect in handling our country's flag connotes respect for the country. These symbolic gestures made me believe our country was worth respecting as I grew up.
Today, I see flags left flying in front of houses, never brought inside when it rains or at dusk according to the flag honor guard code. Further, tattered flags are to be taken out of service and replaced by new flags. If flown at night, "Old Glory" should be lighted and properly displayed in a respectful manner. Just throwing a flag up on your garage wall isn't good enough... at least it didn't used to be.
So, I am confused by all the tattered patriotism and Memorial Day parties. I will be going to the military cemetery today to put flowers on graves and to thank my father for serving in the Navy, of which he was so proud.
I know friends who will be riding in Rolling Thunder on the National Mall in DC, and I want to say "thanks" to them for keeping this tradition going and reminding us all that our freedom comes at a steep price.
Saying "thank you" doesn't go far enough when I think of all the young people who are current serving and giving up their personal freedom for a few years to ensure the rest of us have freedom for a long time.
Tomorrow when I see my 88 year old father-in-law, I'm going to thank him for serving in the Pacific during WWII. He's never told us much about that experience, but after seeing HBO's mini-series recently, I realize just what he had to go through and I'm very grateful that he survived.
I am not questioning other people's patriotism - never! I'm just looking through my own lenses which were shaped by my own upbringing. Patriotism is something you do, not talk about. That's how I was raised.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Traveling Home
In the hassle associated with traveling for business, there are pleasant surprises along the way. Today, I discovered that a coworker, whom I recently met on this trip, is a published writer. We had a nice conversation about writing, inspiration and also did a little commiserating about the employer. This bit of human comradeship has made my day. I was feeling disconnected coming from this three-day meeting, and I admit suffering from a bit of self-pity for having so few office friends -- accentuated by a limited number of dinner invitations over the course of the week. Then unexpectedly my seat mate on the plane turns out to be a fantastic person with similar interests. A small thing that means a great deal. I'm now returning home with a smile on my face. What a good Friday!
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