[Boomer]

I am not sure it was a good idea to give up the traditional May 30 date of Memorial Day in exchange for a long weekend of parties and picnics and trips. I guess these long weekends are good for the economy and that was probably 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.

When I was growing up, 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. (And I was there, with the band, marching along, playing my clarinet.)

The Gold Star Mothers were honored.

And we all helped with the poppies. (The fabric poppies have been made available at this time of year, for many years. I read somewhere that it has been since 1921. Donations for those poppies go to help veterans.)

And always at the service at the cemetery, this poem by a WWI medical officer John McCrae "In Flanders Fields" was read.

...........


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.

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


Mr. Boomer is a veteran. And I know that many of you are, too. Thank you.

Boomer