A long time ago I was invited to an event hosted by 6th grade children, their take on Memorial Day. Most got up there in the school auditorium and talked about boating, family and time together. My neighbor's grandson got up and talked about his grandfather. Hank was a POW during the Korean War, though it was only a police action at the time. Young David talked about how his grandfather was beaten almost every day because his beliefs were different than those of his captors. He was denied food and water to the point he was blinded. Hank did finally come home and his sight came back.
As a parent I always think of the Tomb of the Unknown on Memorial Day. One person from every conflict that is so disfigured, so unrecognizable as to have no identity is laid to rest in the Tomb of the Unknown. As a parent one can rationalize that your child is not rotting away in a jungle or pushing up potatoes in a foreign land, he's home; protected and resting in Washington D.C.
BTW, if you haven't been to DC since they put in the Korean War Memorial, it's well worth it. Very haunting.
I spend every Memorial Day Weekend at the Indianapolis 500. Although it is a celebration, and full of debauchery, (especially the night before the race) they always do a good job of honoring those in the military. They usually incorporate a few tributes in the pre-race festivities, and let a bunch of enlisted folks out on track so everyone can express their gratitude. And of course they have a flyby. The best fly-by was in 95. (50th anniversary of WWII victory) They had a B-17 with a few P-51 Mustangs flying in formation. Chuck Yeager was flying the lead Mustang. It was really fantastic.
Although BBQ's, Picnics, and racing is all in good fun. It is good to remember that we wouldn't be able to enjoy any of it without those in uniform.
I go to the LI airshow.
My favorite is this one formation thing they do- two years ago it was a B17, P-51, F/A18 and a Warthog flying in formation. Right after a B1B blows by just short of mach. Wicked.
Indy and Monaco (maybe a little Coca Cola 600 too) on Sunday, and an autocross on Memorial Day. I always make sure to think of those that served... I live everyday in the best country in the world because of the sacrifice they made.
ddavidv
SuperDork
5/19/09 6:28 a.m.
It may be a little thing, but I've gotten into the habit of every time I fire up the race car at the track, I thank those who have done the dirty work for my freedom. Not very many countries in the world where an average slob like me can go to a race track and drive like a demon with other like minded people for no purpose other than to have a good time. Those who serve in the military are far better persons than I.
