Memorial Day 2010

For some, Memorial Day may hold meaning more as the first long weekend and harbinger of Summer, than it does as a time set aside to remember those who have served and fallen in America's wars.

If so, then they must have missed the airings of HBO's miniseries 'The Pacific', and the current re-running of the HBO film, 'Taking Chance'. The former shows us in bloody high-definition just how completely our troops sacrificed themselves in our service in World War II. The latter gives us a view of the impact of a single life lost, through the narrative lens of a marine's body being escorted home from Iraq.

Individually, each depiction makes sacrifice clear. Taken together, the effect is like a simultaneous punch to the gut, slap to the face, and kick in the ass. Together, they also remind us that sacrifice is not confined to the past.

All of which is to say it's a bit difficult for me to barbecue and celebrate Memorial Day this year. The memories, old and new, aren't conducive to much more than hoisting a toast to all those who have given us their last, best, effort.

For those of you who'd like a slighter more energetic (and exercised) post about this day, you can check out my thoughts from 2009. For the rest, may you have a pleasant day with those you love.