Why We Had A Long Weekend
Friday was a cold day, with off-and-on rain biting at you. As I drove up the road to the cemetery in my hometown that afternoon, I was again struck by the scars left by last August’s derecho there…the cemetery was, as always, in pristine condition this close to Memorial Day, having sustained very little damage to headstones, but the lasting damage to trees was still evident.
I was proud to see the American flags that were placed at gravesites for each veteran; in my father’s case, a metal World War II emblem always in place, now holding a bright flag as it does each year at this time. The driveways were in place for the annual installation of full American flags on poles, each with the name of a veteran…the ‘avenue of flags’ being a popular sight on Memorial Day.
And in a further salute to service, I also noted similar gravesite flags honoring those who had been members of the local volunteer fire department and EMS service. If they’ve had those in the past, I was apparently too focused on the purpose of my visit to notice…but I saw them clearly and with appreciation this year.
I returned to work to find that our vice president had also been busy on Friday…sending out a tweet with a smiling photo of herself, and the phrase, “enjoy the long weekend”.
Well, Madame Vice President, I did…because so many Americans had shed their blood selflessly, so I could.
Her staff sent out a more respectful tweet the next day, with no smiling photo, and a more proper tribute to those we honor on Memorial Day…but far too little, and far too late.
Maybe because in so many ways, our way of life today is no less at threat than when our bravest fought foreign enemies…this Memorial Day had deeper meaning…At least for some.
