It is hard to remember the real
reason for this national holiday, especially considering all the events that
have been tacked on to this Monday celebration. Originally a day of remembrance
of Americas’ war veterans and families, was simply called “Decoration Day.”
But, due to becoming a three-day
holiday by US Government decree, it soon became a day of numerous other
activities. No longer just an annual trip to the cemetery but a stop at the
shopping mall, used car lot, picnic and/or campgrounds, beach, and of course
sporting events, most importantly the Indianapolis 500.
So here we gather to celebrate
besides all of the above, also each other’s friendship and sharing so many
diverse stories. “The best of times is now.” And right now is the time to
remember all of our fallen comrades for their sacrifices in the name of
patriotic cause, whatever that may be and according to someone’s needs or
belief.
In light of that, probably each of
us can recall a friend, family member, or loved one lost in one of our
country’s causes or conflicts, whether self-inflicted or in self-defense.
The
question that keeps growing larger and more insistent in my mind is WHY MUST IT
BE?
Certainly our nation’s graveyards
record the names of our forefathers and foremothers. But why must the
cemeteries and memorials be filled with men and women sent to their graves by
war? It is an unanswerable question that humanity has pondered forever. The
seeming obvious solutions are, as we have seen, impracticable. What a waste in
the name of nationalism, religions, or some sociopath’s conquest of the masses’
minds.
These are the very many colors of
my Decoration Day: a time to remember and again as I have written, a time to
rejoice in one another. Submitted humbly and with love to all of you, I remain
sincerely ME.
© 30
May 2016
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