Indivisible

On Memorial Day, we attended an event in St. Louis Park. It's become an annual outing for us and I'm happy to say that turnout this year was quite good. The event is organized by a local American Legion post, Boy Scouts helped pass out programs, a community band supplied the music, and local politicians (including Ron Latz, Steve Simon, and Jeff Jacobs) were on hand to briefly share their thoughts on the day. A thoroughly civic community affair.

And one thoroughly devoid of politics. It was refreshing to join with one's fellow citizens in honoring the sacrifices of those who have made our freedoms possible in a completely non-partisan, patriotic manner. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens, and Libertarians joined together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the Star Spangled Banner, and applaud the veterans on hand, who stood as the songs of their respective services were played by the band.

Whatever differences we might have were for the moment put aside and our collective attention was focused on our shared duty to recognize our debt to those who had given so much for our freedom. It was an all-too-brief reminder that no matter how darkly divided the country may seem at times, we share a heritage, a flag, and a belief in liberty that unites us as Americans. We need more days like Memorial Day.