05.24.07
Thoughts about Memorial Day
For those in the world of “work,” many will take a vacation day tomorrow (Friday) so that a four day weekend will be in store. A holiday is always a welcome respite from work, but Memorial Day (on Monday) is always a very special day because it is a day that we honor our loved ones gone before. Especially, we pay tribute to military members who have given their lives to protect Liberty as we enjoy it today. This year shall be no different.
Besides the usual trips to cemeteries to plant graves, say prayers, and pause for a few moments to reflect on the lives of formerly living people, anyone who is human cannot help but also consider the short time we are all here. One line of a song in Spanish says, “Soy polvareda que al viento va,” - “I am but dust that blows into the wind.”
In addition to poetry selections on our website’s poetry page, such as “Flander’s Fields,” and “High Flight,” this week I have added a mid-nineteenth century hymn to our site, “Work, For The Night Is Coming,” that speaks to the shortness of human life.
Some singers reflect on the their lives, in retrospect manner while they are still here, such as Frank Sinatra’s song, “I Did It My Way.” (We’re so glad he did!) The fact of death is acknowledged in prose, poetry, and song, and our fascination with it, as humans, seems unending.
On Memorial Day, we look at the impact of wars, including the current one. We measure and demonstrate our own patriotism by standing at attention, hand over heart, when the parade flag passes by. We sing traditional, patriotic songs. We eat some of the season’s first potato salad made with chives from the garden, and perhaps enjoy a barbequed hot dog. If we are lucky, we’ll eat a piece of pie, cake, or fresh strawberries and cream, with biscuit or not.
While we are celebrating the sacrifices of soldiers, we are also elated that it was not OUR personal sacrifice. Life goes on, babies are born, the economy rattles along. We all pay the price for peace on our shores, even indirectly, when that means that a fill-up at the pump costs a little more.
Yes, Memorial Day is a time to laugh and a time to cry, a time to appreciate those still with us, and a time to honor the vacant seat at our kitchen table. No matter what language one speaks, a universal theme seems to be “Remember Me,” - “Je me souviens.” Although we may sometimes feel like one ant in a teaming, swarming ant hill, we must remember that we are each important to the Author of the Universe. If we are honest with ourselves, we all hope to be remembered.
Enjoy the day, but please take a moment to reflect on this bittersweet entity that we call “Life.” Savor the joy of every waking moment and hold close those around you. On Memorial Day, we shall honor our heroes with pride, and treasure the fact that they gave their all, just for us.
Best Regards,
Pat
