There were a few great observances today (Sunday), especially the concert on the Washington National Mall. But the offical "national moment of observation" is Monday at 3 pm eastern time.

Observance traditionally was always May 30th, but it got moved to the last Monday in May several years ago, late 1970's I think. All for the sake of picnics and barbeque. Next they'll be trying to move the 4th of July, LOL.

-- Modified on 5/25/2008 11:01:20 PM

Flag flying today on my front lawn here in NJ in honor and remeberance of all who have fallen in the line of duty serving this great country.  I'm thinking in particular of the great uncle that got mustard gassed during WW1 as a doughboy in Europe, and died because of it...only known casualty of war in my family history.   If he had lived long enough, I would have two words to say:  Thank you.

Went to the Santa Cruz Blues Festival. What a lineup! Jimmy Thackery, Coco Montoyo, Bonnie Raitt. Those were the headliners, but the high point of the day was "The Legends of the Blues". Hubert Sumlin, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and Pinetop Perkins all on stage together. Pinetop Perkins is 95 years old, and can still play an unbelievable boogie woogie piano. They all played together, and then joined Bonnie for a finale to be remembered. Absolute energy.

what i remember about memorial day was my Father, going to the cemetary and placing flags upon the graves of those fallen.  Some he knew, but most he did not - although they probably all served.  My dad volunteered when World War II started.  He did it maybe with full knowledge of the enemy - but maybe it failed to register...

what I do know, is he came from the same generation of the WPA - and other programs that provided jobs and training to plow our way out of the great depression.  He learned, from that, a sense of duty to country, and he acquired a desire to better himself.  Probably what he did know upon joining - was simple, that if the "other side" won, the world would be a less safe and less happy place.  He also had the great sense to know that the world would still not be a perfect place.

so on this memorial day, I see our military much through his eyes... and am gratefull for all they do and sacrifice - That goes for those living - and a much included Ciara.