Today is Memorial Day 2020. And, of course it is raining, as the skies are crying for this Day. And it is a Day that’s set aside to remember with gratitude and pride all those who served and died for our country and our freedom. And, as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to just utter the words, but to live by them. I give credit for these words in some different form on Facebook. But they touched my core, so I am presenting them here today for your perusal.
As I walked around the neighborhood with my wonderful companion, Kathy, I noticed many flags flying in honor of this Day. Because of the rain and Covid-19, the barbecues. picnics. sport events, swimming parties and family reunions have been cancelled or celebrated by virtual communication. We have moved from the “normal” to something totally different than we ever could have imagined. Families are communicating and celebrating events by FaceTime and Zoom. The “new normal” has brought many families together in a way that they previously had not accomplished. No longer do we hear excuses, “ I can’t make it, too much traffic or I couldn’t find a parking place. Even people who show up are surprised at the level of deep conversation and celebration that is available to them.
On the way home from our walk, the rain increased and, my son, Paul, decided to drive around the neighborhood until he found us standing under a neighbor’s garage overhang. So, that is also what this day is about. it comes down to what’s really important; family; and the fact that the flag stands today for family and unity and love. We do not need to denigrate our flag by separating our country and our people. “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”.
