My usual Memorial Day weekend routine involves me
attending Carburation Day the Friday before the Indianapolis 500. I enjoy watching practice and the pit
contest, but I really like the music.
Some of the past acts I’ve seen are the B-52s, Live, Better Than Ezra
and Brett Michaels (Post No. 347). And
the people watching can’t be beat.
This year I decided to forgo Carb Day. I am low on vacation days so am trying to
conserve. I also didn’t want to spend
$20 to go, although I found out Carb Day is now $30! When I first started going it was $10 and my
neighbor Mr. Kelley used to let me in for free for a couple years.
I was bummed to miss it because it turned out to be
a beautiful day and I really like Sammy Hagar.
I pacified myself by looking out the window and listening to the Red
Rocker on Spotify. I also tried
something new this year.
A co-worker invited me to attend The Meaning of
Memorial Day on Monument Circle. It is
the 500 Festival memorial service on the north steps of the circle. There was a good crowd and it was a really
nice service. The mayor and governor
were in attendance, along with other city and national dignitaries. The 500 Festival queen and her court were
also there in matching black and white ensembles.
It’s easy to get caught up in the fun activities of
the three-day weekend. Yes, we pause for
a moment of silence if we attend an event, but I need to remind myself to pause
for more than just a moment and to really think about the men and women who
have served and who currently serve this great country. As governor Mike Pence said, for those who
have lost a family member, every day is Memorial Day.
While I was listening to Sammy, his song, “Give To
Live” came on. It really summed up the weekend
for me. “If you want love, you’ve got to
give a little.” These men and women have
given all they have for us so we can enjoy going to the track, having cookouts
with our family and friends, and going to a concert. They have truly lived. I thank you, and salute you.
