Weekend What’s Up? ~ May 21, 2020
Memorial Day is Monday (May 25th, this year), formerly Decoration Day, here in the United States, when we honor those who have died in our nation’s wars. It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle.
We celebrate, we celebrate our freedom, commemorate still- by placing flags at the gravesite of those having served in the military. Parades and fireworks, special ceremonies, and those red poppy flowers. Given out by veterans, near grocery stores on Memorial Day weekend, the red poppy is yet another symbol to remind us of the sacrifices made by so many. A sacrifice which gives us the freedom to walk into that grocery store, to pick up another package of hot dog buns, to work with that uneven- dog : bun, ratio dilemma.
While it is a time to pay tribute to those lost – looking forward, we also celebrate the beginning of summer. Gatherings with family and friends, at beaches, in parks and backyards. Hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad and coleslaw, volleyball, frisbee and horseshoes. And of course baseball.
This Memorial Day weekend is different.
Our celebrations will be smaller and quieter. Yes, we will honor those we lost, to secure our freedoms but unlike those battles, at this time- it is not a conflict of power or territory being fought but one of this destructive virus. A virus we can see in the eyes of its victims and those of our frontlines and essential workers. An enemy that has seized our lives, our livelihood. It has attacked our mental, emotional, our physical and our financial state.
But we will not be broken!
We will come back stronger to fight this – we will know better and be prepared better, should there be a next time.
So, this Memorial Day I am not going to give you a book to read, movie or show to watch. If you need something to do — go look in the mirror and know that you are strong – WE are strong.
And now, as we slowly start our come-back – remember the ones still out there every day caring for our sick. Researching for vaccines and cures. Standing at the store register. Stocking the shelves. Driving the trucks, buses, trains. Cleaning the stores, trains, and other public spaces. Volunteers leading a helping hand for food and other necessities.
Behind the masks and the gloves and the plexiglass are the souls of fighters – soldiers – champions. They are how we win this war and we need to remember them along with all the heroes that have kept us STRONG – So please when you head out and about- in the most cautious of ways, PLEASE, look them in the eye and say “Thank you” to them – for being there for all of us.
Have a great weekend and try to take a Piece of Life and Make it Extraordinary. Peace-Out!
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