This Memorial Day, Remember Why We Celebrate Memorial Day

Thought you’d find another “keep it green” post here, huh? I’ve done that before.

But what I hadn’t done until recently is realize how few people actually take the time to truly commemorate Memorial Day.

Of course, every holiday is a bit like that. The religious complain that Christ has been left out of Christmas. Thanksgiving, for some,  is just a prelude to “Black Friday.” And Memorial Day…well, it’s the official launch of summer.

The beach beckons.

Coolers must be filled.

Grills must be fired up.

But it’s also a time when veterans, and those who love and respect them,  come together to honor the ultimate sacrifice – laying their lives on the line for this country.

Today,  just steps from a busy boardwalk, I observed a sparsely attended ceremony honoring those who fought battles  long ago…and the battles of today.

I wasn’t surprised to hear the Master Sargeant from Dover Air Force Base talking about receiving fallen soldiers from overseas, but I was a bit surprised to hear him talk about a time in the future, a time “when our  youth are no longer asked to make the ultimate sacrifice.”

Too late to visit a wreath laying in your community?  If you do nothing else, consider donating to the Memorial Day Donation Challenge  from Paralyzed Veterans of America (donations are doubled up through today). And be sure to head on over to Twilight Earth to read this poignant post from DC green guy Adam Shake, a veteran of the war in Bosnia.

— Lynn

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