A Memorial Day Reply

A MEMORIAL DAY REPLY

by Ed Johnson

I received a posting from a Website friend who expressed some concerns about Memorial Day.

"Once again, a National Holiday is upon us, and after having attended a local "parade", I again report I have mixed emotions. While I appreciate the efforts put in by local high school bands and several civic and scout groups to commemorate the holiday, I am continually disheartened by the many who use the day for personal gain... first and foremost by the "politicians" who use this solemn day as a soap box for political gain....secondly by the merchants who use it for a soapbox to push products. They have taken a day which is meant to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to save and protect this great country of ours and turned it into a commercial for personal gain. Anyone who wonders what is wrong with this country, they need only to attend one of these events to see what I mean."

I replied to my friend as follows:

I agree with most of what you say and, yes, some national political folks sometimes even make inappropriate comments in their attempt to promote them selves or their agendas. The pendulum of overall civic behavior has swung in an uncomfortable direction over the years.

However, my sense is that smaller, hometown village parades and celebrations probably retain their historical traditions more firmly and without the political or commercial nonsense. I have seen this in CT and MA. and I hope it is true in some areas of VT, which is your turf.

I live in such a village in CT, with a population of circa 1,500 residents, 6 marinas, 4 restaurants, 1 brunch counter, 1 package store, 1 church, 1 graveyard, 1 historical society, 1 water department plus a volunteer fire dept. with 2 engines & 1 rescue truck..

We just finished our annual Parade through the village today with stops at the cemetery and local war memorial to honor the fallen. Our parade is organized by the local American Legion, who also provide a picnic benefit at the end where locals can have lunch and visit with each other. Certain local politicians do participate by invitation, but they do not try to take advantage of the event and there is no hint of commercialism.

I feel proud to march in such a parade, even though the event itself requires time and energy for many of us and my 78 year old knees complain to me afterwords. But I wouldn't change anything, and hope this spirit might, in time, help swing the pendulum back again.