In Observance of Memorial Day

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Memorial: something designed to preserve the memory of a person or event,    as a monument, periodic observance, etc.   

Monday is Memorial Day here in the states, a day set aside in memory of dead military personnel who fought for their country. The first such observance was in 1868, to commemorate fallen Civil War soldiers. Unfortunately, there have been many conflicts since then and this holiday has come to memorialize the casualties from all US wars. 

For many it also marks the beginning of summer. But too many people will not be celebrating the beginning of summer this year. Some won't have the privilege of seeing the summer unfold, others have lost someone special and there isn't anything to celebrate.

With so much going on in the world, and in our country, right now, I hope that this holiday weekend will include some quiet reflection. Could there be a more appropriate time to ask ourselves: "Is the current version of the United States of America the one our service men gave their lives for?" 

We can be so much better.  

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