Armistice Day, Victory in Europe Day, or Decoration Day have been combined in the United States into Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May. My grandparents, who I spent a lot of quality time with, truly understood the gravity of these days. They had lived through the horrors and sacrifices of World War I and World War II. The observance dates even farther back, to the 1860's and the end of the American Civil War.
Thinking about this day, I always flash back to my first visit to the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer in Normandy. We had spent a delightful week in Yorkshire, Sweet Bear went off to a conference at Oxford, and I went solo to Normandy. Typical for me, I had not done a lot of research, I was driving north along the D-Day beaches, saw the sign and turned in. I figured this would take a moment. I don't know how long I was there, wandering the neatly manicured rows of graves. I was moved beyond words. Every political leader, every military officer, should spend an afternoon there, thinking. Driving through the surrounding area, stopping for lunch in tiny villages, you see what was saved from fascism, by people who often didn't live to know the beauty and warmth of the place.
For many this weekend is the start of the summer season. A long weekend, gatherings with family and friends. Summer foods and refreshments. The sacrifices of the past, enable the joys of today. And remind us of the cost of political extremism.
Much to be thankful for.
Much to fear.
I wonder if Americans will still take this holiday for granted, and what it stands for, after this administration is done...and there is a US left? I am finding it harder to live here if I'm truthful.
ReplyDeleteWe are a hearty bunch, we will survive. It is going to be an important mid-year election.
DeleteI wonder how many Americans think of this as anything more than a long weekend and the beginning of the summer season.
ReplyDeleteThe outdoor pool opened this weekend. (and the water is 65)
DeleteLet me know when it reaches 86 and I’ll be there.
DeleteWell said indeed. I was thinking the other day that the US doesn't have any holidays that specifically commemorate wars, e.g., Armistice Day (which we turned into Veterans Day), VE Day, etc. I wonder why that is...
ReplyDeleteBusiness lobbying Congress to limit the number of Federal Holidays, limiting the number of paid days off.
DeleteLeft to HWSNBN and his administration I'm sure Memorial Day would also be wiped out.
Delete"Remind us of the cost of political extremism" -- yes, that's why it must be stopped asap, if people are smart.
ReplyDeleteA sentient I had not had until this year.
DeleteBeautifully expressed. Visiting such a solemn place brings strong emotions as it should.
ReplyDeleteIt was special that day.
DeleteI will be thankful today and ignore the dread and fear.
ReplyDeleteThe mid-term elections are coming soon.
DeleteI hope for peace for all.
ReplyDeleteWhat all sane people really want, is a secure and peaceful life.
DeleteWe were at the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, too, and spent more time there than we thought we would. At the end of the day Taps was played as the flag was lowered. What an unforgettable moment.
ReplyDelete"Much to fear..." Especially with what is happening right now in The White House and The Kremlin. We seem to be regressing. The future looks far less bright than it used to do. We need wise, fair-minded leaders - not ugly cartoon characters.
ReplyDelete