Memorial Day Thoughts
Scott Chaffin has a great tribute, and one that links to more material you probably want to read.
I only disagree somewhat, in one sense: my stepfather was awarded two bronze stars and two purple hearts in Vietnam. Took a bullet in the back, and still has chunks of a grenade in his wrist.
As a child, on Memorial Day, we put up the flag, discussed war some. Had a barbecue, played in the sun, and enjoyed the day, free from our worries, free from oppression. In short: free.
Just the way the fallen would want it, I think.
I hope you're all having a good day today.
What I kind of sorta meant to say was that guys like your stepdad, Dave, Stryker, et al -- they've earned the right to be casual (and that's the best word I can come up with) about the holiday. I haven't, and I can't. But I appreciate what you're saying.
PS The great words are Dave's, not mine...
My birthday has always fallen on or near Memorial Day. (If the current Monday rule had existed then, I would have been born on Memorial Day itself-- in 1968, no less, when it must have been particularly needed and painful.)
So the three-day weekend has usually included my birthday celebration, and I've felt a bit guilty about that ever since I learned what the day was all about. I'm just happy I'm around and able to celebrate it, I suppose.