Happy Memorial Day! How did you spend today? Just like most Americans out there, our usual fare for this day is to sleep in, cook up some hot dogs or hamburgers on the grill, enjoy the start of a more relaxed summer school schedule, and spend time together as a family. When we lived in Florida, we had the priviledge of spending time with family and swimming in a crystal clear pool. But, this year, one fourth of us is missing, so I knew we had to do things differently. We attended a Memorial Day Ceremony at a park near our home. Since our boys have never gone to a Memorial Day parade or celebration, I knew we could make it not only a military tribute to our fallen soldiers, but also an educational experience that they would never forget.
It was a clear, sunny day here in our hometown, and yes, the announcer said he had asked that the sky not send us the rain that had a 20% chance of falling. The ceremony, which was held on a busy street across from our special operations museum, was fitting for the mood, but not the weather. The weather was beautiful! Hot, but sunny. No chance of rain. Rain usually brings in a somber, reflective mood, not a day to jump for joy. That's why it seemed such a contrast to have sunshine instead of rain and clouds.
Memorial Day isn't a day of celebration like we usually think of a celebration. When I think of a sunny celebration, I imagine balloons, cake, streamers, banners, joyful exaltations and praise streaming from the lips of those in attendance. Memorial Day is more of an inward reflection of the gifts we have been given by those who have gone before us; those who saw fit to free us from tyrany or bondage or injustice. Memorial Day isn't just a day to remember the troops, but to thank those who are willing to give their lives in order for us to keep our freedoms we have become so accustomed to in America.
In reviewing this, I pondered the element of rain. Rain would have been fitting for the occasion - except for our comfort. Rain brings us a watering for our souls as well as a washing of our bodies, cars, and grass. As I looked around at the faces of those who were in attendance, I didn't see dancing in the streets, like we do when an Army unit returns from Iraq or Afghanistan. I saw families who have experienced a deep watering of their souls - those who have served or who have a loved one who is serving overseas somewhere. I saw the hollowness that comes with knowing that this day is more than just a bar-b-que with friends or family. Pain of the loss of a loved one or the fear of the loss of a loved one was evident on most of the faces surrounding me - even in the midst of the smiles and laughter. This is where the contrast existed; the weather told us to be sunny and bright and the mood spoke of heartfelt sorrow and sadness at those who have paid the ultimate price for our country's freedom.
Looking back on today, I feel blessed that I took advantage of what our community had to offer my boys and me. We could have opted to stay home, hang out with neighbors and do the usual Memorial Day activities. Honestly, we would have talked about this day and why it is so important to take time out of our usual routines in order to honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. But, just like everything else I've learned about homeschooling, nothing sinks into our brains like a real-life experience. I know that the boys will carry with them the memories of watching the 21 gun salute, hearing the somber ache of the bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace", seeing the Rolling Thunder reinact the Missing Man table, watching a 93-year-old man proudly carry his wreath to the WWII memorial plaque, and listening to the lonely sound of the bugle playing "Taps" at the close of the ceremony. We will remember more about this day because of what we experienced today.
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