I remember the Memorial Day ... from my ... This was the day that signaled the ... of summer! As the parents grumbled about us being out of school for so long, we kids were plann
I remember the Memorial Day celebrations from my childhood. This was the day that signaled the beginning of summer! As the parents grumbled about us being out of school for so long, we kids were planning games like "Kick-The-Can" marathons well into the night hours. But first, we had to get that dreaded 'parade' over with!
You know the parade I mean. That Memorial Day parade, where we had to stand for what seemed like HOURS in the hot sun all dressed in our clean and pressed Girl Scout uniforms, while some unknown dignitary spoke volumes about unknown soldiers and fallen comrades. How boring it all was to a ten-year-old girl. And, what did all of that have to do with me?
In the wake of September 11th, (2001), I see evidence every day that brings to life that unknown dignitary's words. It may be the bravery I see in the faces of those who now face disaster, as they enter burning and crumbling buildings. It may be the pride I feel when I see my young granddaughter rise and place her hand over her heart whenever and where ever she hears "The Star Spangled Banner" being played. Memorial Day now holds such a different definition.
We are living in a changed world, and it took a great shock to our nation for us to realize just how changed it has become. Patriotism has been reborn! In our small New Hampshire town, every pick-up truck worth its name flies 'Old Glory'. It is no longer considered 'corny' to stop and be silent as the National Anthem is being played at sporting events. Even the high school senior class has changed its class colors to red, white and blue.
This Memorial Day, I will still attend the parades, and watch as my daughter marches in the Color Guard for her high school band. We will both stand in the hot sun and try not to look bored as another unknown dignitary speaks for hours over a sound system that reaches only those in the front row. But this year, we will see flashes of September 11th in our minds and remember those innocents.
We will reach out to friends and neighbors as we have never done in years past. We will share our feelings. We will offer comfort. We will shed a tear as we listen to the patriotic marches, for we all will be remembering September 11th.
This year we will plan the backyard barbecues and family reunions. The children will plan their summer events, and we grown-ups will groan as we realize that another long summer stretches out before us. And this year, we will all take the time to whisper, “God bless America" - again.
