In an era of beach trips and opening the summer house, some who
take comfort in the true purpose of Memorial Day believe its meaning has lost its
lustre.
It prompts the question on the hallowed weekend of remembrance: What does Memorial
Day mean to you?
WTOP's David Burd, a Marine Corps drill instructor veteran, says the smells of
his time in the armed forces come to mind first. He remembers Kiwi Shoe polish,
moth balls, Mennen after shave (issued to every Marine recruit) and Duraglit metal
polish, a chemically soaked cotton substance used to shine brass belt buckles.
"Most young men and women don't join the armed services these days and cannot
relate to the sacrifices that are made when you join the service," Burd says. "Our
wars are not a shared experience like they were before the draft was halted in
1972."
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
I dunno about that. I kissed and hugged my father, husband and stepson and thanked them all for their service. Maybe our generation is the last to remember what was sacrificed. (I was born in '61).
ReplyDeleteI still have my can of DuraGlit - Can't stand Mennen after shave any more - But I do stop to remember my fallen brothers.
ReplyDeleteRC - Master Gunnery Sergeant US Marine Corps - retired.....