Dear Fellow Swarthmoreans and Friends:
Ah — Memorial Day — hopefully good weather for picnics, yard projects, just enjoying a long, lazy weekend. But why do we really have this springtime long weekend? The hope and expectation is that we will take some time to reflect and maybe even attend a memorial ceremony that honors those who died in wars that our country has fought in in the defense of freedom — both home and abroad.
Swarthmore has a simple ceremony that honors local residents who sacrificed their lives. Please join your neighbors at the corner of Park and Dartmouth avenues at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27. Attending veterans will be invited to place a flag (provided) in the Memorial as the roll is called. There is also a speaker and a short prayer or reflection.
On this SUNDAY evening, there is a Concert on the Mall in Washington, D.C., that honors those who have served. Usually there is a special guest whose particular service is honored. Patriotic music is interspersed between the telling of the storyline.
The program airs on PBS channel 12 at 8 p.m. and is repeated at 9:30 p.m. It adds perspective to the weekend in some way.
Please plan to honor the intent of the holiday.
Joan Watson
Swarthmore
