Come, compatriots, together for a day of remembrance, a Memorial Day to honor and celebrate our selfless, civic minded forebears. Come together to reflect and, perhaps, to relearn a little the lessons of selfless civics, of togetherness, of companionship and compatriotism. In these times of tempest and turmoil let’s turn toward one another — instead of away from one another — and channel the creative energy of disagreement with humble reverence for compromise, our hard won birthright, toward happier, healthier, and more sustainable tomorrows.
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2024 will occur on Monday, May 27.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season. (Source: History.com)
And so it is that yet another threshold is crossed. Let’s celebrate the unofficial start to summer with blooms! These purple lupines and yellow iris are from a jubilant Memorial Day moment I shared in 2012.
Rosslyn Memorial Day Blooms: Stars of summer, and it’s only Memorial Day! (Instagram and Twitter)
And, in closing, I encourage you to venture out into the spring-into-summer outdoors for an escapade of some sort. For there’s no finer way to commemorate Memorial Day than an adventure in the wondrous out-of-doors.
This is a beautiful ride which starts out in Essex, NY and heads north through Willsboro, on up Willsboro Mountain. Then you take the 1812 Homestead and Camp Poc-o-Macready turn-off, and ride Reber Road to/through Reber and toward the back side of Wadhams where you’ll turn toward Whallonsburgh and then return to Essex via Whallons Bay. A few great hills and plenty of pastoral farmland. Very light traffic during most of the ride. — Geo Davis (Source: Garmin.com)
A ride, a row, a sail, or a hike. Perhaps some time in the garden?
Enjoy!
And happy Memorial Day to you.
What do you think?