Festive Parade Followed by Solemn Tribute

Plainview's annual Memorial Day Parade was a eclectic blend of our colorful, vibrant community. Bands played and children marched and the sounds of fire horns enhanced the festive atmosphere.

But when it ended, in the town park where they lay wreaths to remember the dead, there were gun shots: An honor guard of veterans squeezed off three rapid-fire volleys and shattered the stillness of a perfect spring morning. A young trumpeter played Taps. The flag was raised from half to full staff.

They were solemn reminders that Memorial Day is about dead soldiers who laid their lives on the altar of their country. They were remembered Monday.

And a Korean War veteran spoke of how we must never forget.

"We must never be nonchalant about this day," Jim Waters, the parade's grand marshal, told the crowd at the memorial service. "We must honor their service and their sacrifice."

Waters spoke of the origins of the observance, dating to just after the American Civil War. He said something has been lost when the national holiday was attached by law to a three-day weekend. That, he said, made it an opportunity to Americans to make other plans on the last weekend in May. That, he said, diminishes the true meaning of Memorial Day.

"They must never be forgotten," he said.

On the podium, the Rev. Eric Olsen of Good Shepherd Church ushered a lost child back to her parents. Public officials spoke of unity and peace. Plainview Kindergarteners signed "God Bless America," as JFK High School students sang the words in harmony.

And Cantor Morris Wolk's powerful bass-baritone thundered "America the Beautiful."

The honor guard in their spotless dress uniforms put away their guns. They had remembered the meaning of Memorial Day for another year.