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It's not that I won't wear a pair of red, white and blue flip-flops tomorrow. I've run more than my share of Memorial Miles or Memorial Day 5Ks, trust me.
Listen, I'm all about that last Monday in May being the unofficial kickoff of summer … a "skip" day from work and school.
But the national holiday now known as Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States of America for one reason and one reason only -- to remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.
And so, in honor of those who gave all so we could live in the land of the free, I give you:
"Remembering Memorial Day."
There once was a girl called PK
Who just loved Memorial Day
The picnics, parades, the cool floats in all shades,
The yard games that people would play.
And that doesn't even begin
To cover the size of her grin
When she'd see all the deals and the plentiful meals
That were also contained there within.
Let's face it, Memorial Day
Has certainly become more a way
Of having some fun and just soaking up sun
Than was its purpose way back in the day.
Now when the holiday comes
It's all about 5K road runs
And huge clothing sales like discounted bridal veils
Or a closeout at Forever 21.
Another big holiday staple
Is the way we all gather at table
And gobble down sweets and plenty of smoked and grilled meats
And just stuff ourselves as much as we're able.
Lest we forget all the travel
As so many of us will dabble
In early vacations in far-off locations
Or even just do the dog paddle.
Because parties and gatherings are cool
And so are fun dips in the pool
But this weekend is more than just eating galore
Or shopping or drinking like fools.
Tomorrow is the one day a year
We ought to reflect and revere
Every woman and man who did all in their land
And elsewhere to vanquish all fear.
And to right wrongs and help good guys win
By protecting both time and again
Freedom, rights and the like both with wit and with might
And sparing no cost in the end.
These brave heroes have paid with their lives
Leaving their parents and children and wives
Also husband and friends as they sacrificed all to defend
All the rights we don't even realize.
But we have them because of the ones
Who, throughout time have fought hard and they've won
Freedom, justice and joy for every adult, girl and boy
Who enjoy every liberty under the sun.
So tomorrow as you light the grill
Or go trudging up some 5K hill
Bow your head for a sec and just show some respect
To the payers of all of your bills.
Kimerer is a Tribune Chronicle columnist whose respect and honor for those who laid down their lives in the name of freedom knows no bounds. God bless them and God bless the USA. Contact her at www.patriciakimerer.com