He Knew He Was Right

I don't know that I could say anything more sincere than what I said here last Memorial Day. Describing it as a "favorite" holiday is the only thing I sort of wince at when rereading it. As holidays go, its meaning strikes me as important as any. But "favorite" would be a more apt description if I thought of it the way many I know do--as the official start of summer. For the record, I have no problem at all with those who think of Memorial Day that way, for I believe most of us still reflect on this day at some point about those who paid the ultimate price in protecting us, those in the military now, and those who protected us years ago. The posts from my friends on Facebook and Twitter support this, as did the large crowd at my small town's Memorial Day parade and ceremony. To echo what I've seen posted and heard throughout the day--Thank you to all those in the military now and those who served in the past. As I noted last year, my family tree is f...

Memorial Day is one of my favorite holidays. While the meaning of many holidays is lost or altered, the reason we celebrate this last Monday of May seems well honored. Sure, it is a day off from the office or school, it is the unofficial start of summer, and it is the day of barbecues, baseball, beaches, and pools. But, it is also the day everyone is reminded to pause at some point, remembering those who fought for our right to exist: Flags are flying everywhere; parades are taking place down main streets all over the country; and frail, brave gentlemen who made it home 65 years ago are out in force to help mark the day. Of course, the soldiers who fought in wars before and after World War II deserve mention too. In my own family, I remember being told as a child about two relatives who fought in the Civil War, one of whom was killed when thrown from his horse on his way home. In further tracing of my family history, I learned that one of my sixth and fifth great grandfathers were vete...