Memembering on Memorial Day

We're doing all the regular Memorial Day Weekend things around here. . .BBQ, the pool, popsicles, going to a movie, taking naps, summer buzz cuts (more on that later). Can't ask for much more than that. But, walking home from the pool today we found a lot more. We spotted a little sign in front of our wee village hall. It said "Memorial Day Tribute 1pm until 4pm." As it wasn't quite nap time yet we decided to peek inside.

Generously giving up a perfect early summer holiday afternoon, one older gentleman stood alone in the room manning the display of military memorabilia from World War I through our current war in the Middle East. As he showed us around the room, filled with uniforms, pictures, posters, medals, letters to home, letters of regret, guns, knives, newspapers, and the musty smell of old things, we were immediately and thankfully reminded that Memorial Day is not about remembering the burger buns and the suntan lotion.

Thank you and now we remember.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. Amen.