Memorial Day

In just a few minutes I will be partaking in that peculiarly American tradition known as the Memorial Day barbecue. This is a day that is ostensibly about remembering the many men and women who have given their lives for our country, but has somehow devolved into barbecuing burgers, drinking beer, and playing wiffle ball. This morning I marched in a parade which had about twelve veterans, and 1000 cub scouts, brownies, Little Leaguers, soccer players, etc. (For a good summary of Memorial Day, read this).

I am not the most patriotic of people, and I disagree with our current President on just about everything, but my heart goes out to all the parents who have children serving in the Armed Forces. It's funny how a person can be anti-war, agnostic, apathetic, and yet when I think about all the things I love about this country I know that despite its flaws I am proud of our democracy. On this day, I'd like to try hard to remember the people who have died for it.