May
The Departed
Memorial Day is a holiday in which we remember those who have passed. It is especially a remembrance of those who have pass in service to our country. That is very powerful this year, as we have troops involved in two wars.
This year, our town held its annual parade. The western half of the county participates in our parade. Every fire department in the area is well represented. There are the high school bands, veterans groups, civic clubs, volunteer ambulance corps, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League and everything else. In Freehold, Borough, Memorial Day is a parade about who we are. It is the parade of the people. Most of the firemen and the ambulance corpsmen are volunteers.
This is who we are.
Our Memorial Days are not mournful events, but celebrations. We remember our fallen with fanfare. We honor their lives. This is a festival of joy and remembrance. We have fun in honor of our departed. Can you think of a better way to show our respect? It certainly lets all know that their lives truly meant something. Indeed, Memorial Day is a festival in honor of those who have passed.
When we think of those who have given all, let us think of their joy, their strengths, their happiness. Know that they abide in the next realm amid friends and loved ones. And remember that our respect is not some mournful diatribe, but a full celebration in their honor. What better way to thank and honor our departed?
