Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all, especially those who have served in the armed forces.My dad was a WWII Marine wounded on Iwo Jima. Memorial Day was always very important to him (although to the end of his life, he called it "Decoration Day").
I was listening to talk show radio from Chicago this morning and an alderman and former Vietnam era Marine was speaking. As a retired Marine my ears perked up to his comments about Memorial Day and I have never heard truer words spoken. He commented that Memorial Day is not a day for mattress sales, great give-aways and partying but rather a time when every American should be taking time out to remember the sacrifices made by our servicemen in defense of this nation and the world freedom. All Americans should be taking time out to attend ceremonies in their communities and recognizing those who died for their freedoms. A creature of habit, I have been attending the same cerremony each year with my college roommate a Vietnam Screaming Eagle for over 40 years. It is always a moving and emotional event which helps all in attendance to remember. And as a side note, I too grew up with grandparents who referred to the 30th of May as Decoration Day, a hold over from World War I. Finally, a big thank you to all my fellow sly guys who have served, are serving, or have had loved ones who have served. God Bless.