Memorial Day is, for most Americans, the official beginning of summer. Whereas most of us can never remember whether the summer solstice occurs on the 20th, 21st, or 22nd of June, and many of us forget that any such thing even exists, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the season for us. I know that there is a move afoot to restore the original intent of the holiday, namely remembering those who suffered and died for our country. Good luck and best wishes to those crusaders, but really this holiday, like so many others, has transformed into a time for socializing and sales and that trend is unlikely to be undone.
By the way, with a measure to create the 21st century's G.I. Bill in discussion in Congress, the best way to demonstrate our gratitude to our country's living veterans and their families is by creating opportunities for them when they come home. Oh, yeah, and bringing the ones fighting an ill-conceived, under-planned, and poorly executed unnecessary war in Iraq ought to be brought home posthaste. This would go much further to signify our appreciation for our fallen soldiers than simply laying wreaths at the graves of the Unknown Soldiers while new graves are still being dug at Arlington.
Back to the subject at hand. Today's weather in Philly was as nice as I can ever remember for a Memorial Day. It was sunny, warm, and not too breezy - a perfect day for barbecue. Some friends of mine got out the charcoal, and I am pleased to say that I gorged on chicken, burgers, salmon and grilled vegetables before closing out on a scoop of ice cream and then some fruit. I love summer and welcome it's arrival.
And to top it all off, the Phillies won tonight after scoring 20 - yes, 20 - runs. Go Phillies!
