Decoration Day 2023

 Memorial Day 2023

Thinking about how it should be this year,

with the latest pandemic behind us, 

seemingly nearly normal.

Reminded that it’s about the fallen,

not all the passed of the past,

just the warriors, deserving of decorations,

holding fast to the original Decoration Day.

Remembering it’s not about the current troops,

hoping to not hear “Happy Memorial Day”,

no matter how well intended.

This is not Christmas,

not a day for glee, not founded in joy,

surely not only for backyard barbecues,

though it’s understandable to want them.

It’s Memorial Day 2023,

and it’s important to notice it exists,

to recall why,

not allowing politics or philosophy to

keep us from rendering heartfelt thoughts,

reflecting, respecting, appreciating, honoring,

remembering the service and sacrifices of the fallen.

Feeling those who survived their own war,

at home or in some distant land,

in uniform or mufti,

ones who have one great challenge remaining,

one great responsibility,

honoring with loyalty and respect 

those who lost their own final battle.

Reminded of our task,

it is the duty of the living 

to remember the dead,

to feel blessed by their gift,

to never forget,

even as the nation seeks to heal.

The fallen deserve nothing less.