Memorial Weekend

[ArtR 0]

Once again, a National Holiday is upon us, and after having attended a local "parade", I again report I have mixed emotions. While I appreciate the efforts put in by local high school bands and several civic and scout groups to commemorate the holiday, I am continually disheartened by the many who use the day for personal gain. First and foremost by the "politicians" who use this solemn day as a soap box for political gain. Secondly by the merchants who use it for a soapbox to push products. They have taken a day which is meant to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to save and protect this great country of ours and turned it into a commercial for personal gain. Anyone who wonders what is wrong with this country, they need only to attend one of these events to see what I mean.

[Ed Johnson 0]

Art, I tend to agree with most of what you say, at least as I see it on a national level. And, yes, some political folks I won't mention can sometimes make very inappropriate comments in their attempt to promote them selves or their agendas. The pendulum of overall civic behavior has swung in an uncomfortable direction over the years.

However, my sense is that smaller, hometown village parades and celebrations probably retain their historical traditions more firmly and without the political or commercial nonsense. I have seen this in CT and MA. and I hope it is true in some areas of VT, which is your turf.

I live in such a village in CT, with a population of circa 1,500 residents, 6 marinas, 4 restaurants, 1 brunch counter, 1 package store, 1 church, 1 graveyard, 1 historical society, 1 water department plus a volunteer fire dept. with 2 engines & 1 rescue truck..

We just finished our annual Parade through the village today with stops at the cemetery and local war memorial to honor the fallen. Our parade is organized by the local American Legion, who also provide a picnic benefit at the end where locals can have lunch and visit with each other. Certain local politicians do participate by invitation, but they do not try to take advantage of the event and here is no hint of unusual commercialism.

I feel proud to march in such a parade, even though the event itself requires time and energy for many of us, and my 78 year old knees complain to me afterwards. But I wouldn't change anything, and hope this spirit might, in time, help swing the pendulum back again.

[ArtR 0]

The VFW and American Legion normally are the spearheads for the events. Streets are lined with flags, and the cemeteries are marked as well. Well, Vermont is "rural" in a sense, however, it is the "election" cycle here with a bi-annual process. Most of what you say is true, but I doubt that asking politicians to parade as  political party along with "vote me" stickers is intentional!  Asking them to say a few words about Memorial Day might work, but anything else beyond that tarnishes the meaning. Also troubling is seeing "dignitaries" paraded in cars "Donated by" or "Provided by" . Just donate/provide the cars and let "good will" do the advertising". We all know who the local "dealers" are in a small community!

On a positive note, our local parade was treated to a National Guard tank running in the parade, and a flyover by two Air Guard jets. Yes, the local police and fire departments did their part with bright shiny trucks/cars and equipment and lights a blazing! A Revolutionary War re-enactment group marched and fired flintlocks. However, to me, the best part is the music provided by the local bands playing traditional marches.

This article really sums it up. https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2017-05-28/to-many-americans-memorial-day-has-lost-its-meaning

 

[Ed Johnson 0]

Yup. We had the two-plane flyover at ours, along with a high school band and our local band as well. Music makes a difference. But it sounds like your parade & politics might be a little different than ours.

[Brian Alpert 0]

You guys bring back old memories of my growing up in Lake Placid and later Tarrytown, NY.  All the old Vets, WWI and II and a few Spanish American war proudly marching in their old uniforms.  I remember that I thought of the day when I might be a Vet and march in my old uniform (which I still have).  Different times, different places.  It was easy to be a patriot.  We were Americans, always in the right, with God on our side with a government which never lied.  The military was an honored profession on a par with medicine, law and the clergy.  Then came 1968 and all that followed, including an end to the draft as well as military prestige. My time was 70-72.  I remember too well being told not to travel in uniform to avoid incidents.  The military is now fashionable again, or al least everyone says "thanks for your service" often meaning better you than me.  At any rate, I am afraid that the hard core patriotism of those who served and our generation is diminishing.  I have been an educator for 45 years and I have not seen much of it in the educated, even here in the South where it is still fashionable.

[ArtR 0]

Brian:

You make a good point. I too remember when it was fashionable to be military. Veterans marched proudly in  the Memorial, July 4, and  Veterans Day parades. And I agree, it was 1968 when all that changed. My time was 1969-1973. Travel in uniform was definitely not encouraged, even though it might afford you a cheaper ticket price. Travelling in and through large city airports/bus stations with a "buzz cut" was hazardous. And today, there is some change for the better. When I see someone in uniform, I too give the "Thank you for your service" greeting, and mean it. I, however, wonder some times if people truly mean it when they say the same to me. Normally those that I know who have served or had family who served mean it. Other times, I am not quite so sure. I did go to a "Veterans Day" meal at a large restaurant chain last November, and the turn out was huge. And the feelings there in that restaurant were deep and heart felt, Today, however, I wonder how veterans would be received if they were asked or wanted to march in a parade? Every Saturday, there is a contingent of "protesters" at the village fountain with banners proclaiming "War is not the answer."