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This busy week contains the last day of school, the promotion of 8th graders, the graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2017 and, on Memorial Day (Monday) the opening of Kearny’s swimming pool for the summer. It’s the kind of week which lends itself to family activities, taking pictures, eating good foods, and fervent good wishes for our young people, especially those being graduated.
In the midst of it all, I hope we will pause our life somewhere along the way (and especially on Memorial Day) to contemplate the origination of this time of prayer and remembrance.
Sam Hosler
The American Civil War ended with Union victory in 1865. It was the bloodiest war in American history. Somewhere between 620,000 and 750,000 soldiers died on both sides. The “not too sure” figures given are because of the fog of war, and because it was difficult to conclude whether a soldier died from warfare or from disease and infection from surgeries (amputations were common). The only estimate for injuries is “millions.”
The conflict touched all families, from the death or sickness of relatives to destruction of land and businesses. But more than four million slaves were freed, although the social cost continues to this day in the specter of racism.
It was only natural that, after such calamity, families would seek solace and work to remember the sacrifice of the dead and wounded. Several local celebrations eventually coalesced into Memorial Day. As the years went on, many families remembered not only those who had died in the war, but all deceased family members. The war was remembered with parades the speeches, and family loss was observed by the cleaning and decorating of graves.
The United States was late to enter World War I simply because people were sick of war. When we did enter, it was because we wanted it to be “the war to end all wars.” This was not to be. And now the potential for world-wide conflict is at a high. May we remember the dead and wounded in all wars and pray fervently for an end to this kind of violence.
But take time this weekend to give thanks also for the blessings of life and family that we share.
Final notes: The Kearny pool opens at 1 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. The pool director is Margie Casillas. She is assisted by Savannah Willis and Christian Casillas and a cadre of trained lifeguards. The Misita and Wernett families have contributed sizable funds to cover the costs of pool passes, which will be awarded as prizes to ticket holders. Thanks for their support! AND… this Wednesday, May 31, the Senior Citizens group which meets at Constitution Hall will begin the custom of meeting at 10 a.m. on the last Wednesday of the month. There will be a potluck meal at the meetings.
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