A day of remembrance
My husband’s uncle died in World War II. My uncle served, but returned. My husband, brother, brother-in-law, and so many others we knew served in Korea, some my husband knew never returned. And there have been other battles since then. Now, without the draft, it seems the same small percentage of Americans volunteer to take on our battles over and over, with each person returning to the front (wherever it is) repeatedly. No more is it the two or four year block of life removed from the draftee or volunteer as in Korea. Or “the duration” as in WW II. Now it seems a life-style of the select few. Which leaves a large portion of our citizens unconcerned about those fighting for freedom around the world. Indeed, many of the young generation seem unaware of the existence of the rest of the world, except as a possible place to vacation.
I planned to see beauty in this day, but somehow, I’ve missed the connection. Oh, there is beauty. Our tulip poplar tree in bloom. Pictures of our great-grand-children on Facebook. The orange I had for lunch. (Lovely taste, too.) Most comments about this day might display a flag or a military salute to veterans. I could do that as well, and it would be meaningful to me. But I’ll break with tradition and post the tree blossom. Just for a moment, I’ll think beauty. But in the back of my thoughts will be that flag, those veterans, and why can’t it be different?
Tomorrow, perhaps the sun will come out, and life will go on as before, as it did yesterday.