Memorial Day Weekend

We are starting a three-day weekend (my schedule of late makes such things neither here nor there) in honor of the Memorial Day Weekend. The general concern warrants respect.  

To note why, for instance, the local library is closed today -- the day is not meant to merely be the unofficial beginning of the summer season. It is to honor the dead in wars.  A recent proclamation from President Biden, whose respect for the military in part was furthered by his son's membership in it, noted:

In honor and recognition of all of our fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer and reflection.  The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance.

The promotion of peace is fitting and proper.  There are various things to do to help advance various causes.  Peace is a proper way to honor the dead. The method of doing so might in some cases dishonor them, especially if their actions are simply diminished in crude terms.  But, this is not necessary, nor is it a very appropriate exercise of human empathy.

There are some who see wars as a useful aspect of national existence. Wars supposedly not only provide the nation with certain monetary benefits, but they are a way to "build character."  I think there are a variety of ways to do that without wars.  Regardless, it will be some time before there is no need at all for the military or some use of force.

The name of the holiday is notable.  It speaks of memory.  We should remember.  And, part of this is to remember truthfully.  There is an old line about the lies of old soldiers, who exaggerate and misremember.  We can say this without disrespecting the many accurate memories that can be found, including those of old veterans of wars from the early decades of the 20th Century.  We need not do this writ large in our histories.

The holiday -- as with all holidays -- has a quality to it that goes beyond a certain special core.  Memorial Day is even more than some holidays of this character.  We might be told to "Keep the Christ in Christmas," but Jesus is likely to be remembered somehow.  Many will even go to church, including some who only go there a few times a year at most. 

It is more likely that people will focus more on the start of beach time now (and of course sales) than those who died.  This is so even though that is the special nature of this holiday above and beyond Veteran's Day.  So be it. Many holidays are largely markers that divide the year up in various respects.  It does make the name of the holiday a bit curious to some, perhaps.  Do some wonder ... what am I remembering?  

There are things that we should think about regularly, but that is unlikely.  So, we set aside certain days to do so.  There has been an explosion of days (I even found one for large foreheads, when researching something!). Still, there are a few things at least that warrant a bit more respect, including our parents and selves (we do deserve a day).  This is one of them.

And, we do have three days to think about it.  Anyway, I am not a gigantic fan of various aspects of summer, including beaches. Baseball is nice enough.  Teachers do need some time off.  But, I actually prefer cool and moderate weather.  Well, that's just me.