Missing the parade, but honoring the observance
By Mike Lange
Staff Writer
Next Monday will mark the first Memorial Day parade I’ll have to miss in several years.
My wife and I will be boarding a plane to San Francisco on May 26, to attend our grandson’s high school graduation in Concord, Calif.
I usually march with the Corinna American Legion Post, either carrying a flag or toting an ancient 30-06 rifle.
I always joke that the parade route seems to be longer and the rifle heavier each year or I’m starting to feel my age. Then I realize that half of the color guard and riflemen during any given year is older than me.
I hate to think what’s going to happen after us old soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines die off. The troops who fought bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan usually aren’t “joiners” but still support the efforts of veterans’ organizations.
I never served in combat. I was in Korea when the Vietnam War first started, but I can’t imagine what it’s like to duck artillery shells or sniper fire.
I had some scary moments in Korea when we ventured too close to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) during field training exercises, but nothing like the troops went through in places like Kandahar and Fallujah.
During my previous life as a weekly newspaper editor, I once caught a glimpse of a half-page ad for businesses that were going to be open on Memorial Day.
The salesperson, a very talented young lady, framed the group of ads with a cluster of stars, stripes, sunbursts and the words “Happy Memorial Day.”
I gently took her aside and complimented her on the layout, with one exception: “There is no such thing as a ‘Happy’ Memorial Day.”
At first, she gave me a puzzled look. Then she said, “You’re right – there isn’t.”
So the text was changed to “We salute our Fallen Heroes.”
Unfortunately, public participation is also dwindling at Memorial Day services. I’m not sure if it’s because too many people are busy planning backyard barbecues or camping trips, or because the public is growing weary of anything related to war.
We cringe when we see flag-draped caskets and grieving parents and widows. It’s human nature — there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Still, our revulsion over loss of life shouldn’t keep us from honoring those who gave the supreme sacrifice or who are still living with the pain and discomfort of battle.
So please take a few minutes to attend your hometown Memorial Day service this year. It may not be a happy occasion. But it will be appreciated by us “old soldiers” who are still marching in parades — a little slower each year.
Mike Lange is a staff writer with the Piscataquis Observer. His opinions are his own and don’t necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.