PLEASE PARK AS DIRECTED.
When I was growing up, Memorial Day was always on May 30. We visited cemeteries and wore red poppies in our button holes.
It was a day of remembering those who had gone before us - both our ancestors and those who died serving our country. It was the time of WWII and the ending of that war. Many of our ancestors back in the "old country" lost their lives during this time. In addition, many sons of friends and family lost their lives. You knew who they were by the stars hanging in their front windows.
It was also a day for parades and family gatherings. Yes, there was a positive side in the midst of the sadness.
I didn't want to make this month's color black because of this hope for the future, over-riding the losses sustained. So I decided on grey.
Please take the time throughout the year to remember not only your ancestors, but also those many unknown soldiers who died preserving your freedom.
As I stood in a national cemetery at night in Chattanooga recently, I was deeply touched as I reflected on the results of war. I found myself wishing that we could have a conflict-free world without dissention, a world that substitutes love for hatred.
So grey instead of black is my hope for the future for all future generations.