My son and I ended up marching with the Peace Group at the local Memorial Day parade. The sunflowers around my neck, I was told, represented what could be done with fields that are currently being used to store nuclear weapons.People along the parade route applauded as we walked by. Well, not everyone, but enough to make us feel that people get it -- that we can support the troupes and persons who have died in the service of their country while still wanting us out of Iraq.
That is until we passed the reviewing stand. The elderly vet announcing each of the groups was at first silent as we walked by. It took a second to realize he wasn't going to announce us. Then, he said, (I swear I'm not making this up), "It's inappropriate to walk for peace in a Memorial Day parade." He added, "Not that I'm making a political statement."
Of course, he was.
But, walking for peace on Memorial Day didn't feel political -- it felt necessary. And honoring of those who had died -- and hopeful that one day we won't be sending young people off to die in countries that don't want us there. In memory and in hope.
3 comments:
Woah - are you kidding? It's not appropriate to march for peace on Memorial Day? I suppose all veterans WANT there to be more war???
I'd be very curious to know what town this was in - Norwalk?
Debra, thank you for taking this necessary action. I appreciate your voice for justice!
It was wonderful to meet you at the TIA National Leadership Gathering earlier this month. I wish we had been able to talk more. But I am delighted to have found your blog.
Peace,
Rachel
This is just plain sad. I had to post on it as well. Thanks for sharing the story, depressing though it is.
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