Memorial Day is not Veterans' Day. Memorial Day is about people who never got to be veterans. Before anything can be restored, people need to understand what they're restoring.
He gave a very inspirational speech at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I was so proud of him.
My town in Indiana had its usual Memorial Day commemoration at the little veterans memorial downtown. An assembly of veterans marched from the American Legion post, carrying flags, and was followed by the high school band playing the hymns of the various armed forces. There was an invocation from the VFW chaplain, some words from the mayor and veteran’s organization leaders about the meaning of the day. and the laying of wreaths. The ceremony closed with a 21-gun salute off in the distance, a three-shot volley from the old soldiers, and “Taps.”
There was a pretty good turnout of people of all ages. Some of us get it.
Long time ago I played Woody Allen’s Radio Days for my mom (who hates Woody Allen).
But she did like Radio Days. It took her back to her more happy moments of the 40s.
But, to my surprise it also awakened memories I did not know my mother harbored.
She became tearful at one point, telling me of the wonderful men in those days and how they went off to war and so many of them, friends she knew and cared for, never returned. She said these were the most wonderful guys, real caring, kind, loving friends who died in WWII and she wondered what this country would’ve been had they all came home.
I’ve wondered and thought of them, those I have never met, ever since.
It was a great price paid for this country and really this world.
Memorial Day, it’s not really a happy occasion at all.