11-12-2004, 10:08 AM
ShadowHM,Nov 11 2004, 01:06 PM Wrote:How exactly do folks use these days of remembrance? I am not only enquiring about your personal observances, but about what you see others doing.
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Where I grew up, there is a Memorial Day service held in the township cemetery. This started with a parade down the roads to the cemetery by the high school band, the local Boy Scout troop, veterans' groups, township fire department, etc. Very few people actually witness this parade, as the township cemetery is not in an area of heavily concentrated population. Anyways, the groups parade up to the cemetery and then you have the service. There are some prayers, some singing ("America", "America, the Beautiful"), some dignitary gives a keynote speech, and it ends with Taps and/or a rifle salute.
Memorial Day is not only a time to remember those who died in battle, but also those close to you who have passed away. Many people would visit the graves of relatives before or after the service, often leaving flowers at the graves. At the graves of war veterans people would often plant miniature American flags.
In my high school years, I remember the attendance at these dwindling year by year. I don't know, but perhaps the New York attack has changed that. In any case, it would be fair to say that the vast majority of people don't attend any services like this on Memorial Day. For most, it is just a long weekend and an opportunity for a picnic.
As for Veteran's Day, it doesn't get much attention at all unless you are a veteran or part of a military family. Most people work on Veteran's Day, and go about their daily routine like any other day.