I agree. Memorial Day should be about those tragic, personal stories of courage and sacrifice. Made by normal people in an ungodly situation. The quote etched in stone at the end of your post, “We who lie here died that future generations might live in peace” is sadly not how things have turned out.

My mother took me to an American Battle Monument when I was a child visiting my grandfather in Germany. I don’t remember where or what it was called but do remember the fields of bright white crosses. I was too young then to understand what I was seeing but do now.

Thank you for sharing the link to the post Ken. Those stories are powerful reminders.

http://europediaries2013.blogspot.com/p/our-boys-of-ww-ii.html

I took a group from the Vespa Club de Mediterraneo on another trip to visit. When Alison started introducing “her boys” a few walked away and most of the remaining ones did not have a dry eye. I was concerned that those that left were bored but just the opposite. They said they were so moved they could not stand there as they were on the edge of breaking down in front of everyone.

This is what Memorial Day is about to me.

I assumed as much. Usually when people are pissed with me the conversation begins with, “You’re such an asshole…” *grin*

While I don’t have the same emotional connection as you do Ken to how Memorial Day is handled or the rote expressions of support that often leave the lips of people about service, I do agree that the words often seem hollow. I titled the post “Honoring the Dead” because I believe it to be the central aspect of the remembrance. Walking so often through the Pennsylvania Military Museum and reading the names and dates of those lost in wars it feels personal on some level. That it is not about our country as much as about people — the children of moms and dads who died while serving their country.

I had to think a bit about whether I knew anyone personally who died while serving their country. I know of a few classmates from high school who died in Vietnam but I didn’t really know them. Of the men in our family who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, all returned home.

If something bothers me about Memorial Day is how it has relentlessly been co-opted by the political class to manipulate perceptions to their own end. The words “thank you for your service” seems less about real thanks and more about conforming to a societal expectation and that the utterance of the words somehow transforms you into a patriot.

There is an episode of the HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (Season 9 Episode 5) titled “Thank You For Your Service” in which Larry David ponders out loud on the subject. It also touches on the difference between being a member of the military and being in combat. It makes you wonder about the label “hero” and what that means today. Politics. Manipulation.

No need to apologize Ken. I won’t say thank you for your service but will say thank you for sharing. Not just here but with your riding experience and friendship.

I hope you didn’t end up with any unfortunate headaches as a result of reading my post. I endeavor to provide relaxation and escape!

Well, I apologize I said most of it anyway.

Despite the passage of time those whispers remain, I think for everyone who has experienced loss. Love and grief are intertwined and create a new existence for us.

Not long ago I read a piece by Nick Cave, a musician and artist, that described how the loss of their son affected he and his wife. It offers a perspective you don’t often see. The Red Hand Files — Loss and Grief

Thank you John for taking time to stop by and share your thoughts on the post and the day. There are indeed many kind and honorable people.

I’ve sort of lost track of things — are you still on the Cape?

I would be uncomfortable taking on the mantle of model citizen. I just try and do what’s right though I admit that sometimes it’s hard to figure out what that might be. Mostly I try and follow the “Golden Rule” from the Gospel of Mark — “…In everything do to others as you would have them do to you…”