Memorial Day

This is a holiday that gives me pause. The original intent was to honor the fallen of the Civil War, both North and South, who died in service. Now it's the beginning of Summer. And it's sad that the meaning has changed. Without becoming too political, how come we don't honor those who've fallen in service to our country? Where has the patriotism and pride gone? Sure, in cities there are celebrations but what about in small towns? The parade in town today was... well, at first I thought it was police and fire trucks going to a rescue call. I didn't hear the school band, I didn't hear people talking or anything, just sirens. I didn't even realize our town was having a parade. The flags were flown but were taken down by three o'clock.

But I did take some time to email my former students who are serving, especially those in Iraq. Most of them are National Guard who were too naive to realize they would see Iraq in person. "But my recruiter promised I would have a stateside job."

I spent some time reflecting on the conflicts it took to create this nation. On the brave and wild ideas the Founding Fathers pulled together to try. All the lives lost or changed forever by conflict.

When did I get to be so cynical? As a child I certainly did not aspire to being jaded and cynical when I grew up, it just happened along the way.


What if this is as good as it gets?