Memorial Day 2007 — Updated.
Still running around here. In about sixty seconds, I have to head off to march in the Memorial Day Parade. I recall that when I began marching in the Memorial Day Parade, the crowds watching the Parade were sometimes three deep. Over the years the number has dwindled, and I fear the trend will continue. Pretty sad, that.
Please take a moment today to give a thought to the American service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Later.
UPDATE: As I had expected, the parade route was again sparsely populated, although there were considerably more spectators that lined the curbs of the two blocks that comprise the actual center of town. Still, the crowds were nothing compared to what they used to be.
The good news is that those who did turn out for the parade were wonderful. As we marched down the street (I was a rifle toter in the color guard), the onlookers applauded for each of the Veterans Organizations, and over and over again, we heard “Thank you!†coming from the spectators. It was quite moving, to say the least.
The clincher came after the parade at the town’s Memorial Park, where the post-parade ceremonies are held. The ceremonies include five members of our Post providing a rifle salute (three volleys) before “Taps†is played and the flag is raised from its half-staff position.
As the five of us were were standing around with our rifles waiting for the ceremonies to begin, a man who appeared to be in his late twenties came up to each of us, shook our hands and said “Thank you.†With him were his two young sons in Cub Scout uniforms. He said to the boys, “Shake these men’s hands and tell them thank you,†which they did.
At that moment, I can tell you there were five lumps in five grown men’s throats.
It was a good day, after all.
Jimbo…earnest Memorial Day wishes to you. If my presence wasn’t barred from the State of New Jersey, you know I’d have gladly made the crowd one extra peep thicker.
Comment by Erica — May 28, 2007 @ 11:41 am
yep, thanks for your service, buddy.
i ran into a kid (maybe 9) at the store. he told me his grandpa was a marine. “cool,” i said, “nice having a hero in the family, huh?”
“yeah, it’s the coolest thing about my family”
the point: a lot of us still do honor military service in this country, in fact, it’s the coolest.
Comment by shoe — May 28, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
Thank you for your continuing service to our country. I had my flag out early this morning.
Comment by LeeAnn — May 28, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
sincere thanks from me, too, Jim.
…after that moment with the young father, maybe there is hope.
Comment by Jean — May 28, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
Can’t add much, but will offer my thanks as well. Here in MI, we had picture perfect weather, so the turnout was pretty good. Not as good as when I was *cough* young, but pretty good. And it seemed like more vet organizations were in the parade this year. Good to see.
Comment by jck — May 28, 2007 @ 8:08 pm
Thank you.
Comment by RT — May 28, 2007 @ 9:32 pm
Good to know that some folks know, and appreciate, what military service is all about. I got a bit of a lump just reading about it.
Comment by DMerriman — May 28, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
Comment by Kevin — May 28, 2007 @ 10:42 pm
Jimbo….
I am not much for modern day parades as there is to much politically correct extraneous crap included ,what I did was visit the local cemetary where my parents are & after paying my respects to them visited the grave sites of many fallen veterans to reflect on them,their sacrifice & offer my thank you`s. I am another grown man with a huge lump in my throat & a plate full of humility.
Comment by dudley1 — May 29, 2007 @ 8:51 am
Jimbo Thanks, it was a nice day
Comment by chef of da future — May 29, 2007 @ 8:26 pm
Jimbo,
Thanks.
Comment by Jerry — May 29, 2007 @ 11:54 pm
Thank you.
Comment by SK — May 30, 2007 @ 6:02 pm