“A Different Kind of Memorial Day”

By

Gerry Niskern

We all know that Memorial Day is dedicated to the remembrance  of the war dead. In years past, we visited the cemetery with flowers for the graves of any member of a family that passed away, but we seem to have gotten away from that. Too bad.

I have a suggestion for a new kind of Memorial Day. Lets have a memorial day that is devoted to the memory of families. Is there someone’s grave you need to visit? Take the kids. Let them place the flowers on the grave and answer their questions.

If you are having a family party of Memorial Day, stop for a minute and remember to start a dialogue about any grandparents that are gone. See how much the little ones know about great-grandfather or a great uncle. Get out the family album and point out the pictures. Tell who was respected and who wasn’t. Get ready to answer some tough questions here.

What kind of man Grandpa was, where he worked. What games did Grandma play with her children. How did she dress? Were they born here or did they come from another country?

The whole country is weary of hearing about Covid 19, but take a moment and talk about the people who have lost the lives to this pandemic, many, many more than was necessary. Have your family party, but take a moment to remember. Not just the war dead, but everyone who is gone. The word that unites all families is “Remember”.