StoryCorps is my single favorite piece of NPR broadcasting, and being a sentimental sort, it’s not unheard of for me to tear up a bit while listening. It had gotten to the point when Sidney would notice it was 7:29 on a Friday morning and say, “Oh no, here it comes.”
Well, for today’s segment I couldn’t even pretend at composure:
After his son was killed in Iraq four years ago, Allen Hoe decided to spend Memorial Day at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. He was not expecting to meet the nurse who tried to save his son's life.
I very much doubt anyone who is reading this needs a lecture on how to observe Memorial Day. We are all aware -- perhaps painfully so -- of the day’s meaning. We may indeed be grilling and enjoying a long weekend, but we’ll also be visiting cemeteries and taking quiet moments to reflect on the sacrifices of others.
I hate it when people say Happy Memorial Day, so instead: Meaningful Memorial Day. We will not forget.
May 22, 2009
Memorial Day
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4 comments:
I've never heard "Happy Memorial Day." Really?
This weekend I'm going to think of all the young men who I grilled hot dogs for yesterday, and wish them well. I'll also think about those we've lost, and also about the three former patients of ours who passed away since February, but I only found out this week.
I hear happy memorial day and it irks me. That and how its the start of summer. While true, it might be the start of summer in one way, its a far more important day. I dont begrudge folks who want to have fun, but the real meaning needs to be remembered.
I definitely like Meaningful Memorial Day much better. Happy seems really inappropriate, but I do hear people say it.
Well, it's just one more thing that many people need reminding of. It's very real for military families....
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