Some time around 1998, my wife and I travelled to Denver, Colorado from San Jose, California by train. We were fortunate enough to have met a much older couple over dinner, and learned that the husband was a World War II veteran. We had a couple of meals together during the trip, and some interesting discussions about his having been in the war. It gave both of us a chance to refresh an understanding and appreciation for what has been referred to as "The Greatest Generation", and what going to war meant in that day and age. We established a brief routine of correspondence for the following years, including a letter we wrote after having seen "Saving Private Ryan", expressing our gratitude for his having served during that time. The correspondence faded over time, but we've never forgotten the Schlegels, and we've never forgotten the sacrifices.
Memorial Day was first established to honor and remember the dead from the Civil War, and has since grown to encompass all casualties of war. Some articles I've read recently indicate a continued trend of lessening attendance at Memorial Day services, or general consciousness or awareness of the meaning behind the day. I don't necessarily agree, and my own awareness has only increased over the years.
There was a time in my 20's where the day simply meant a paid holiday and a chance to go hit the beach in Santa Cruz and usher in the summer with friends. I never gave a second thought to the meaning behind the day, it's history, the lives, or the impact of those that fought to protect our freedoms. I would occasionally come across war documentaries on TV and wonder who had the interest to spend time watching footage of something that happened so long ago. Now, I am in earnest to learn about and be aware of these events in our history, and I can't imagine turning a blind eye to the gesture of devoting time, once a year at an absolute minimum, to reflect deeply on and remember the people who gave their lives because they believed it was the right thing to do.
I've wanted to watch "Band of Brothers" for at least 6 years now. And tonight, I started doing so, specifically for the purpose of putting my thoughts squarely into Memorial Day. I'm several hours into it, and will complete it tonight and tomorrow. In addition, as we've tried to do every year, we'll be attending the Memorial Day ceremonies in Saratoga, at the cemetery where some 700 veterans of wars or military service are buried, including my wife's father and grandfather. The kids are intentionally being exposed to this, with the hopes that they'll gain an understanding and appreciation for the history and purpose behind the day, and that they'll carry on the tradition and recognition so that in another 40 years, the day will continue to have meaning, and be cause for remembrance.
