Memeorial Day?

It seems that Memorial Day is not a day when we remember those who have gone before, whether in defense of our country or our family and friends. Memorial day has become yet another excuse to sell us things and eat hot dogs and hamburgers. Yesterday I was looking through some old photo albums. I became choked up with emotion especially when I saw pictures of my parents. They both passed in 2004. My dad, earlier in the year, I honestly can't remember the exact date, and my mom two days before Christmas. There I was saddened by thoughts of 2004 while on television there were Memorial Day ads trying to sell anything from electronics to cars to food. Images of people eating, swimming and driving their new cars and having fun. This is all wrong. It is supposed to be a solemn day but in reality it's just a day for big business to rake in more cash. If it was up to me everything would be shut down and the true meaning of the day would be observed. It's not a day to party. It is a day to remember those who have died in defense of our country and loved ones. I cannot celebrate this day the way it is presented to us, in fact I am appalled at what it has become. I had a totally different blog planned. One that I started yesterday and I suppose I will eventually publish, but not today. I choose to remember my parents, aunts and uncles and grand parents. It's one day. Hey big business! How much money do you need?

My mom and dad. May 19, 1950.