Contemplation at Memorial Day Sunset

[HereSince1628]

How should you and I behave in the last moments of this day? Well, surely with some remembrance of the fallen and ruined lives that resulted from a long and bloody Civil War that gave origin to this day of Memorial.

And that period of civil strife is a proper thing to reflect upon in a nation that is nearly as divided as it was in 1857, in a nation whose founding documents and governing institutions are in the greatest crisis since the early 1860's.

Should it be the Fallen that are remembered from the battles of that great conflict or the existential crisis itself that is remembered?

Perhaps what should be remembered and grieved over is our nation's still threatening propensity to divide into vitriolic partisan groups?

Rather than having the Living decide what is appropriate for this day, perhaps we should quietly contemplate in hope of living what is left of our days in a manner that would honor the dreams of so many lives cut down so terribly.

I am a veteran and though I attend memorial services I cannot say that the dead do or do not gain much from Honor Guards and revelry. I cannot help but think that some of them would enjoy seeing us,their descendants, living with enough peace and prosperity to go picnicking, fishing, or playing baseball, or watching a car race.

Yet, I cannot help but think that Some would wonder if their deaths had solved any bit of the major flaw in human nature that led to that exceptionally bloody cruel war between compatriots.

I cannot help but wonder if They would ponder if their precious investment in that solution had lasted through time?

Would they from their last repose perhaps ask to know what they cannot see for themselves: "Oh, say! Does that Star-Spangled Banner yet waive?"

How do we answer the haunting questions that they would pose to us? Are we yet Free? Are we yet brave enough to live and die to be One Free People in Peaceful Union? Do we have the determination to pass on the treasure of their gift to us to our posterity?

God, please let it be that we live well and that They do not disdain us for our failure to perpetuate the hopes and dreams for a nation of, by and for the people.