Story last updated at 6/9/2010 - 12:17 pm
Did you make it to any of the wonderful events on Memorial Day in sunny Juneau? No, I'm not talking about the scrumptious family barbecue or the liquor-infused beach party. Nope, not even talking about the equally important graduation ceremonies scheduled precariously close to the military-run services.
You guessed it, I am talking about a Memorial Day commemoration to honor American military who have died in service to our country; for us. Maybe you took the easy way out and didn't schedule it in, or forgot, or had a family/graduation/friend thing to do. Certainly everyone agrees that Memorial Day was the very reason we had a much-longed-for three-day weekend. Thankfully, a well-planned and thoughtful commemoration was presented at Evergreen Cemetery that day, and that is where I was at 11a.m. on May 31, 2010.
Sure, it was not easy toting four exuberant young children and one (thankfully) good-natured niece to a cemetery first thing in the morning. It may not have been easy for them to "stand still" while Tim Armstrong so aptly reminded us of the true meanings of Memorial Day: to remember, to honor, to thank. He also reminded us of our responsibility to pass on these remembrances to our youth. My responsibility at that moment consisted of holding one 2-year old wriggling a bit too much in my arms, and making sure the 4-year old didn't pull up too much of the well-manicured grass. Once again, not easy.
The "easy" came when all little wide-eyes were at attention as the trumpeters played the call Taps, and the color-guard presented the flags. Easy was my comfort level as complete strangers smiled and nodded at the kids, not caring if they stood completely still or played amongst the decorated gravestones and American flags. It was easy to feel emotion there that day, healthy mourning as well as extremely thankful emotions. It was also quite easy to enjoy the sunshine with others in a public setting knowing we had absolute freedom to be there.
Next year, do yourself a favor and attend a commemoration. Bring the kids, tell a friend, mark it on your calender, enter it into your iPhone. No excuses this time. Go, remember, and relate to other thankful Americans while physically showing your support for those who died to give you your freedom. Trust me, you will leave feeling fulfilled. Your children will leave with more respect, and perhaps the ability to sit still longer than three seconds. That BBQ later with equally-blessed family and friends? It is going to taste a whole lot better.
Summer Baxter
Petersburg
