For the Ages

Memorial Day is here again. The observance commemorating the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans is more than a vacation weekend. It is more than the unofficial start of summer, more than a reason to pay closer attention to the weather forecast.

The day is a solemn one that our nation should treasure, to remember both the honor, and the horror, of military service, and what it means to set aside one’s life for a tour of duty — or to give of one’s life entirely.

It is worth celebrating that Hood River’s observance includes young people in prominent roles. (See page A6 for details.) Boy Scout Hans Decker was profiled in the May 25 edition for his coordination of placing nearly 600 flags at the gravesites of veterans, among other duties. Other young people are partnering with American Legion Post 22 and Auxiliary: the middle and high school bands will perform patriotic selections in the program which begins at 9:45 a.m. with a parade of past and present military personnel, on Brookside Drive. Please note that Brookside Drive will be temporarily blocked to traffic.

Whether you are on the Heights Monday, or elsewhere, take a moment at 10 a.m. and turn your thoughts to those who have served.