[Boomer]

I am not sure sometimes if it was a good idea to give up the traditional May 30 date of Memorial Day, in exchange for this long weekend of parties and picnics and higher gas prices. I guess these long weekends are good for the economy and that's why the traditional date was dropped all those years ago. But I still hope they do not go after The 4th of July and obliterate that traditional date, too.

Like all of you, I remember when Memorial Day was Memorial Day. My parents were very involved in the American Legion and there was always a lot to do for Memorial Day.

There was a really long parade in those days.

At the cemetery, the Gold Star Mothers were honored.

And we were busy with the poppy sales.

Always, at the cemetery, this poem by a WWI medical officer John McCrae "In Flanders Fields" was read. Still is.

...........


In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

.....................................

I bet the veterans' organizations there in TV are selling lots of poppies to make money to help our vets. Here in Ohio, I donated and got my poppy outside the grocery store yesterday and I have it on the strap of my purse. I hope you have a poppy, too.

Mr. Boomer is a veteran, just like so many of you. Thank you.

Boomer