Memorial Day Weekend

A few days ago, I met a Vietnam veteran who spoke about his dismay that the Memorial Day holiday is turning into a party and a shopping spree, and wished for people to honor and remember those who served, and serve now, with respect.

My email inbox and my mailbox are both full of special Memorial Day shopping offers (and who wouldn't take the stores up on those deals and steals and 15% off, in this economic climate?) and if you like to celebrate in the company of a thousand others, there's plenty to do this Memorial Day weekend (I'm not missing Vive Minnesota, which, as well as the music, will be marking Memorial Day on Monday morning.)

But remember too. Remember those who served, who lost their lives, and those who suffer today in conflicts around the world. The epitaph on the Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial from Archibald MacLeish, a World War I veteran, puts it most movingly.

"We were young. We have died. Remember us."

I wish you all a peaceful Memorial Day.

_{Minnesota World War II Memorial at the Minnesota State Capitol. Photo © Clara James}