May 30, 2010 - Memorial Day weekend in South America!

The patriotic symbols we relate to are nowhere to be seen, except a little 4 x 6 red, white and blue that we brought with us. We have two CDs of patriotic songs (Spirit of America – Music for your lifestyle) and have played them over and over these last couple of days. We’ve been humming along to old favorites like God Bless America, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, America the Beautiful, Grand Old Flag, Anchors Away, Star Spangled Manner, Stars and Stripes Forever, and Amazing Grace.

Jason recently posted on F/B that driving through Duluth, GA (our hometown) is a special treat during this time of year. I always said it looks like a Norman Rockwell painting he never got to paint. You see the American flag flying, dozens in a row, street after street, and cannot help but ponder our great country who has fought for it, where we have come from and where we are today!

But how do you celebrate when others just do not understand? Simply by keeping the tradition as near as possible to what it was or would be. It’s the weekend most children in the southern states have finished another school year. It’s the kick off of the summer season with camping, parades, bar-b-ques, family reunions, with some families heading to the mountains, others to the beach and still some remain at their home sweet home.

Memorial Day originally (back in the 1800s!) was known as Decoration Day and the Americans honored those who died in the Civil War by “decorating” their graves. Families then began to decorate the graves of other family members they wanted to remember. Arlington National Cemetery has always been decorated – with flags at each individual grave. It’s a sight once you behold, you’ll never forget. Years ago the official name of the holiday was changed to Memorial Day. The holiday continues to be celebrated in grand style nationwide.

Back to the original concern, problem, or dilemma…here we are, without the media and merchandise to remind us of the occasion, but we will celebrate – together, alone! There will be baked beans, hamburgers, potatoe salad, ice tea, and an apple pie and ice cream on the dinner table. There will be a time during the day we will watch some MASH DVDs (hey, that’s the best we can do!) and we’ll even play our CDs (again!)

We will remember. Will you? I am truly thankful for those who have served in the armed services, those who have gone on before us, those who have sacrificed for us in one way or another. Even though we are a continent away, it will be Memorial Day at 290 Las Orquideas, Apartment #501, Urb. Los Jazmines, San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima, 36 Peru, South America!
Happy Memorial Day! Enjoy the Spirit of America this weekend.