Memorial Day "Mourning" - Fun AND Reflection

      Ahhhh...you gotta love it...a Monday off.  An extra day to make a three-day weekend and mark the beginning of a summer of fun.  Been waiting for this all winter!  It's Memorial Day...a time to pray and play.  You can have the best of both and it won't take but a moment to reflect on what today's national holiday is all about.  It means different things to many people.  And it's such a cool holiday...you can party it up or kick back and relax and you can fit a quick rememberance in whenever you get the chance...it's a day-long observance. 

      Hailing from the official birthplace of Memorial Day, I've been spreading some hometown pride leading up to today.  Not many people can say, "I come from the town that gave millions of people a national holiday."  Considering how small Waterloo, New York is, less than 5,000 people can make that claim.  I've been telling you about the history and pomp surrounding the ceremonies and services here.  Some have found out things about today they didn't know before.  We're a patriotic bunch around these parts...but it's not like we're sticks in the mud and don't like to have a good time right along with the rest of y'all.  Sure, we have our solemn and somber moments paying hommage to those who gave their lives for our country; but what the hell do you think we do the rest of the time?  Sit around and twiddle our thumbs?

      We have our times set aside for graveside silence and the proud marching of parades, but we don't look a gift horse in the mouth.  A day off is a day off!  We'll take advantage of free time, too...picnics, family and friends getting together, fun and games...we're into all of that just like you are.  As a matter of fact; get this...we have TWO days and you only get one!  *Sticks his tongue out at everyone*  So there.  Being the birthplace of Memorial Day, we hold our observation on the original date of May 30th; no matter what day of the week it falls on...Wednesday this year.  Okay, so we get rooked out of that extra day once every seven years or so when they both fall on the same day.  Small sacrifice for us to pay compared to the ultimate sacrifice our brave men and women of the military paid giving their lives in the name of freedom; so we all can enjoy getting a day off...while they have forever off. 

      See how easy that was!  You have just shared in the true meaning of Memorial Day...only took a few seconds...didn't hurt a bit.  You're duty as an American is done for the day...now go play!  That's what this holiday is all about.  Sure, we and others may go all out with many the events we hold.  It helps draw attention to our message.  Not everybody wants to go through with that...and that's okay.  All you have to do is think about those who have passed and their memories live on unforgotten...job done.  It's as simple as that. 

      You only have to do it once, but it's kind of an ongoing thing around here.  Since we get two Memorial Days, it's only right we join everyone else on the national day of observation.  There are early morning ceremonies at the local cemetaries.  We are among the first in the country to begin the commemorations.  That wasn't quite what I was thinking about when my telephone rang before it was even fully light out this morning.  What the hell?  Who's calling me this early on a day off?  Somebody else who has the day off...and is up early with some time to kill before the services start.  Well, since I'm awake now; let me throw some coffee on.  Kind of early for company, but I'm up for an enjoyable holiday...might as well start now. 

      After waking up, let's take you off to how we honor the men and women the day is all about.  I've included images of what it looks like here in Waterloo.  Check 'em out and you can say you saw the way it's done in the holiday's birthplace.  We gather at Veterans Plot in Maple Grove Cemetary; the largest of the village's three graveyards.  Wreaths are laid, addresses given, the dead are saluted.  A 21-gun volley sounds and as "Taps" echoes over the graves, our flag is raised; then lower to half mast in their honor.  Those assembled leave...then it's back home to do the same things you're up to. 

      On the way home, you'll pass an open area in the downtown business district...kind of odd not to have a store there.  It's not a park, but it is there for the townspeople to enjoy.  Being rich in history here, we like to keep the past alive; with all kinds of traditions.  Even though Memorial Day is our claim to fame, there's much else we have around here.  Those are our quoit pits.  What is that?  Never heard of it before.  It's acceptable to pronounce as it's spelled, but the original way it's said is "quait".  You've heard of horseshoes...quoits is very similar.  Instead of a horseshoe, quoits uses a heavy iron ring and the object is to "ring" the metal stake across the playing field throwing it like you would a horseshow.  I've included a couple images if you'd like to see what quoits are, too.  Teams consist of two people with points awarded for nearest to the pin and big scores if you're lucky enough to hit the mark.  Not quite as difficult as getting a hole in one at golf, but an entire season can go by with the leading scoring having less than 10 ringers...and they play quoits around here 8 months out of the year.  It's quite popular and there's always a good time going on in the pits; especially with them being located right between two bars.  Such a fun time it can be; spectators line the railing at street level to watch the matches. 

      Our day in Waterloo is well underway just like yours is.  People sleeping in late, moms up early making salads for later, kids parked in front of the TV or video game.  Get your butts outside...you've got the day off from school...do something!  Be a kid and do kid stuff.  Some are lounging around the house relaxing...I'm not doin' nuthin' today!  There's that cookout or picnic or party on the patio later on.  Gonna have us a good time!  Up yours, Rob...we gotta work...what's a day off?  I know, I know.  There are those who have a job to do today...someone's gotta keep the world going around.  People at work...and I didn't forget you moms at home.  You wish you could have some time off.  At least you were able to take a moment...or several hundred with my long-windedness.  I don't need you pointing that out...I plan it that way.  Most important, you got just that break you needed to pause and reflect on what the day means.

      There were men and women who went before us; their lives ended early because they were willing to give it up to ensure future generations for all time would be able to enjoy freedom to its fullest in a nation that's based on that notion.  No matter what you're doing today; you have them to remember and thank for what you have to enjoy.  Yes, even you moms.  You know it's a pain in your ass sometimes, but you wouldn't have it any other way.  They made sure your babies would grow up with endless possibilities before them.

      Okay, let's get busy...there's things to do.  It's a day off after all.  I know I've got a couple tasks to take care of; maybe a nap later...since I have the time to do it.  No cook out for me; not for one.  I'll fix my "picnic" meal later and sit in front of the television while I eat it.  My big dilemma of the day...what seasonal taste sensation should I scrape together.  It's got to be "summery".  I'm not bothering with salads...I'll open a can of baked beans.  Douse it with enough ketchup and it's passable.  Drop in a batch of French fries, too...they're nice and all-American.  Gotta douse them with ketchup, too.  Main course...a couple of fried burgers on buns with pickle, onion, Swiss cheese and more ketchup...or I could char-blacken some hot dogs with onions and brown mustard.  What?  No ketchup?  Well, I'll switch over to that if I'm eating more than three.  Or, I could just throw a TV dinner into the micro-nuker and have me a chunk 'o fried chicken.  I've got a cantalope for dessert...with orange-pineapple ice cream if I want to have that, too.

      There you go...you've got what Memorial Day is all about...and a look at the day all of us will be having as we reflect on the meaning.  We can now carry on...like the memories of all those brave men and women will carry on from the heart of its birthplace...to the heart of a nation.