Two special days tied together

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A couple of things happen around this time of the year which, to me, have a direct relationship to each other.

Granted, more than a couple of things happen around this time of year. School years end; folks graduate from various schools. Some get married, others take vacations and so on and so forth.

Those are nice but the two I have in mind aren’t either one of those. One is on everyone’s calendar on the same date, whether they choose to observe it or not. The other occurs at various times of the year.

But they’re both significant and they are related to each other.

The first is Memorial Day and even though it’s the same on all the calendars it has different meanings to folks. For some, it’s just another day on which they have to work or do the things they do. Others may have the day off from work and use it in various ways, although one of the more common ones is to put a hurt on the beef supply at your local supermarket.

For others, Memorial Day, even though it’s already passed us by on the calendar, marks the unofficial beginning of summer and when numerous places of business and work use the day to create a four-day weekend it tends to drive up the number of vehicles on highways and drive down the number of folks taking in Sunday worship services.

Some, though, will take a moment or two, whether they indulge in any of those activities or not, to remember what it really is all about. They may pause a moment or they may actually take in a band-playing, flag-waving, wreath-laying ceremony and audibly or at least in their hearts say a word of thanks to the men and women of our armed forces who aren’t here in one way or another ­— either by being on assignment somewhere around the world or having heard the words “assignment complete” and moving on to that great campground in the sky.

The second day that comes around this time of the year is another Memorial Day of sorts. These happen at churches near and far and they often go by the name “Homecoming.” At some places, the folks will remember in a memorial service those folks who have slipped away since the last such gathering. Others don’t do that but all have a fine old time of singing and remembering and dinner afterwards.

This year, as I notch another candle on the birthday cake at about the same time as those two days, I’m reminded more and more about how much we have and — dare I say it — how much we take for granted.

When you see a veteran — and not just on May’s Memorial Day calendar notation — tell them thanks. And when you gather in your house of worship next time, remember that it wasn’t the preacher who gave us freedom of religion but the veteran.

You’ll get no argument from me on that point.