Another Memorial Day is in the rearview mirror, and it was indeed a day for reflection and remembrance. It was a time to think of loved ones no longer with us. Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, their communities and their families. For us.
For me, this holiday has special meaning. My father was a World War II veteran. He left school to enlist in the Marine Corps and was shipped to the Pacific theater at the age of 19. He ended up on Okinawa, and after experiencing brutal combat, was packed and awaiting orders to board ships bound for an all-out invasion of mainland Japan. It was then that the U.S. dropped the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. My father was spared from the planned invasion and came home safely to return to college on the G.I. Bill, meet my mother and start a family. He would have turned 100 years of age this past April.
My namesake and uncle was not so lucky. Serving in the European theatre, he died in the Ardenne Forest at the Battle of the Bulge. He was my mother’s half-brother, and when I was born, I was given his name as a way of honoring his memory. It has been my privilege to carry his name during my life. Because of Uncle Sean, Memorial Day has a place close to my heart.
In our nation’s history, more than 1.3 million Americans have died in wars. That includes nearly 700,000 in the Civil War, as our country’s sons served and perished on both sides. In the wake of the bloodiest conflict in America’s history, Memorial Day was established as Decoration Day in 1868. By 1890, every state had adopted its commemoration on May 30th. In 1971, Congress set the federal holiday for the last Monday in May, creating the three-day holiday weekend we observe today. On Monday, Oneonta commemorated the day as only small towns can.
Hundreds of families and individuals lined Main Street in Oneonta for the annual Memorial Day Parade. Big thanks to the parade team for making this event happen again after a one-year hiatus. Representatives from the Oneonta VFW, The Daily Star, the Oneonta Rotary Club, Destination Oneonta and Hill City Celebrations all came together to bring this event back, as well as implementing the other parades on July 4, Halloween and for the Christmas season. They all contributed to make these events happen, and I know that they agree the looks on the faces of children lining Main Street make all the work worthwhile. Thank you to all our area residents who came out to see the parade and share our common small-town experience together.
Thank you as well to the Oneonta American Legion post for holding the annual ceremony of remembrance at the Veterans’ Memorial in Neahwa Park. As remarks were made and wreaths laid by area Scouts, the Oneonta High School Band performed, and a lone bagpiper played a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace”. The strong crowd in attendance, standing shoulder to shoulder, delivered a clear message of respect and reverence fitting the occasion. As the ceremony started to wind down, sunshine began to honor the grouping with its presence.
As everyone wandered back to their vehicles, people started thinking of their holiday plans. Memorial Day afternoons mean music, cookouts, friends and family. It is one of America’s quintessential celebrations, where many of life’s memories are made, to be cherished for generations. As well it should be.
For me, it provided an opportunity to take a big picture view of our community. There is no escaping the division, fear, uncertainty and frustration in our lives today. And there are real and tangible reasons for these feelings. Anxiety is on the rise. Things could be better. But we also need to recognize the blessings we share.
Volunteerism is increasing throughout Otsego County. Folks are pitching in at food banks, clothing drives, symphony orchestra fundraisers, and yes, even community events. We live in communities with a sense of belonging and friendship. We are next to each other in houses of worship, school performances, coffee shops, scholarship presentations, sporting events and in line to see Santa. We stuff money in fireman’s boots for charity, attend Little League games and soccer matches. Our communities offer the kind of shared experiences that demonstrate the American spirit.
Nothing is perfect and we have much work to do in America. But let’s not lose sight of what is good in this country, this state and our cities, villages, towns and hamlets. Two hundred and fifty years since Lexington and Concord have made us what we are. Especially on days like yesterday.