Memorial Day

i went down to my town's Memorial Day ceremonies and parade today. i attended the service held at the cemetery where lie buried many veterans of wars from the Civil War through the current conflicts in which our nation is engaged. i listened to the eulogies, Taps, and the rifle squad's salute.

i stood still and removed my cap as the colour guards from the local vets' organisations, police, and fire department marched past.

The local high school's marching band played the national anthem and a medley of the various armed services' marches and hymns.

Several local scouts' packs, Cubs to Eagles, trotted along in the parade, as well as a contingent of an automobile collectors' club, and representatives of a landscaping company whose truck was armed with a loud PA blaring a song declaring "I'm proud to be an American."

A gaggle of supporters of the two major political parties participated as well.

After the parade, all gathered at the war memorial in the village's main park, where the high school band played the Star Spangled Banner once more, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and speakers held forth.

All told, a typical Memorial Day in the USA.

My fervent wish, as close to a prayer as i can manage, is that someday, someday there can be a time when we will truly honour those who served and died in our nation's wars by making damn good and sure that we do not add to their numbers.

As i stood and watched the the parade, one song kept going through my head:

 

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