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Page 1 of 2 AS A CHILDWhen I was a child living in rural Kansas, the Memorial Day holiday was called Decoration Day. It was a time to honor those who had gone before and most  especially those who had served in the military. We'd all gather at our local cemetery in the morning. We'd place flowers on the graves of our loved ones, then proceed to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for a program. After the Color Guard, and a prayer, we'd have a speaker (usually the Mayor or other local dignitary), then we'd all proceed to the city park for one great big picnic. Traditional Memorial Day celebrations and observances such as I remember have greatly diminished over the last 30 years. No longer do we see the great parades ....
NO LONGERNo longer do we live our lives in one place, to be placed next to our ancestors  and be celebrated by those who follow. We are a society on the move and the idea of being born, living and, yes, dying, in the same locality is almost unheard of today. A GREAT REVIVALHowever, in the 1980s Patriotism revived. Beginning in 1998, The Boy and Girl Scouts of America have placed flags on the gravesites of our soldiers. And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years. WILL WE CELEBRATE - WILL WE HONOR  Now that we are in the beginnings of the 21st Century, what will Patriotism mean to those who follow us? Will we proudly carry the flag of our country, or burn it in protest? Will we celebrate and honor those who have passed before us, or simply look at the day as another holiday for a BBQ poolside? ALWAYS UP TO YOUThat, dear friends, is up to you.  It is up to the elder generations to teach the young the importance of honor, duty and yes, patriotism. That's the only way they learn. Whatever your political stance, this is still the greatest country on the  planet. YES, PATRIOTISMDon't ever forget what columnist Bill Vaughn said, "A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won't cross the street to vote in a national election." Patriotism has many meanings and participation is no exception. All of us at the Cafe wish you & yours a most Healthy, Happy, & Meaningful Memorial Day Holiday. May we all take a few minutes to be grateful for the liberty we have and pray that others around the globe may someday have it too..Caringly, Jackie For more of Linda Thompson's wisdom and wit, please visit her at LifePath Solutions. You'll be glad you did!
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