To all of DU a good night; I have a parade to miss tomorrow morning.

The jingoism and the thrown candy are not for me.

I'll remember, and honor, and grieve at home without the DARE program kids and the Cub Scout packs and the local politicians and Little League teams and the Elks Club members, and the convertible with Miss Connecticut to help me.

I can do it on my own.

Redstone

What is the connection between a couple of army jeeps sandwiched inbetween Miss Chamber Of Commerce,the mayor and his wife,a pack of scouts,the local VFW,a high school band and several men on motorcycles? Parades seem to suggest celebration and it's kind of hard to celebrate the reason behind Memorial Day. Its a day to remember,to honor those who have died but its hardly a reason to stand and cheer and for kids to dive for candy tossed to them from the mayors wife.
I find it very strange to see people camp out several hours before the parade starts to get a good seat yet these great patriotic people are rarely the ones who visit or bring books or other items to the vets at the hospital. But I have seen some who do visit and do help the vets or their families waiting as their loved ones go thru a second or third tour. They rarely have time to watch parades for they are far too busy volunteering in the parade of life.

We didn't do the candy or any of the campaigning...

We just plaid American Hymns from the convertable...

I was always leary of doig MD Parades but the people expect you to be there to show respect...

Now the Fourth and Home Day parades, silly string baloons and candy....

"I'm sorry you're dead. But here's a bunch of kids with flags throwing candy. Will that make you feel better?"

Not because I don't care to remember those who have died in past/present wars, but rather because I would spend the day wondering if next year I will be remembering my own brother. My son will be marching with his karate school (his sensei is a nam vet), I just can't bring myself to go.

Everyday it seems harder and harder to even think about the war. It's even harder to put what it feels like into words when someone you love is in a danger zone.

They like to involve the kids too.

It's called Memorial Day, not Cheap Celebration Day, which is how I feel when I hear about these parades. To honor those who have died in war is one thing. But do there have to be these parades? Far better to do something else, like go to a VA hospital and volunteer, or call someone you know who has lost a loved one, or just remember in your own way.

but to each his own.

Yesterday we went to brunch. At the hostess station there was a red,white and blue flower bouquet. With BLUE SPRAY PAINTED white roses. They go too far.