Local Ish: Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

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To many, Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff to the summer season when your pool is open, you get an extra day off work (maybe for a quick trip to the beach), or maybe its just an opportunity to spend some time with friends around the grill…but I feel that it is important to step back (if only for an instant) and remember what this holiday is really all about.

Whether you agree with the wars (past or present), what you can not disagree with is the bravery and courage of those who have served and this holiday is dedicated to the remembrance of those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending America and each and every one of her citizens.

Because of the nature and history of the city, we are offered an opportunity to observe this holiday in a couple of ways that are somewhat unique to our area.

So for this week’s Local Ish, I’ve tried to find some events where you can have fun and also pay homage to those who have served so honorably.

• Rolling Thunder XXII – (from their website) “The major function of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is to publicize POW-MIA issues: To educate the public that many American prisoners of war were left behind after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect future veterans from being left behind should they become prisoners of war-missing in action. We are also committed to helping American veterans from all wars.  This weekend is packed with events and instead of trying to list them all here, I’ll give you a link here.
• While the U.S. Navy Memorial has events going on all weekend as well, the Black Creek Gourd Society welcoming the riders through ceremonial Navaho dances seemed like something that could be pretty cool to watch.  This takes place from 1:00-5:00 pm.  Also, on Monday, there will be a “World War II Radio Show” which will recreate the atmosphere of a radio show from that era.  This is an interactive program so musical requests, singalongs, and trivia questions from that time will be going on to further attempt to transport you back to the 1940s.”

• Thousands are expected to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial this weekend and the official Annual Memorial Day Observance at the Wall begins Monday at 1:00.  This year’s keynote speaker is Vietnam veteran Peter M. Holt who has been awarded the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars for Valor and a Purple Heart.  Sadly, this year one more name will be inscribed into the wall as Marine Corps. Gunnery Sgt. Enrique Valdez died as a result of combat wounds sustained in the combat zone during the Vietnam War.

• National Memorial Day Concert (Monday – 8:00-9:30pm) – Put on by PBS, this FREE concert will take place live on the west lawn of the US Capitol.  There will be a mix of performances, dramatic readings, eulogies, and also documentary footage to honor those that have died serving the country.  Also, every year they have special features to honor the valor and patriotism.  Here is a list of this year’s features.

I hope that everyone is safe and enjoys their Memorial Day Weekend.  If you have an opportunity to make it out to any of these events, I encourage that you do so.  If not, remember that if you take a look at these websites, you should be able to find a place where you can donate a few bucks.

And finally, try to spend some time thinking about how much these individuals have sacrificed of themselves for the good of our country.  And if you see a member of the armed services out and about, go up to them and let ‘em know just how much you appreciate them…not just because its Memorial Day weekend but because you understand (at least a little) the great things they have done for all of us.

Food For Thought — udothedishes….