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America should have awakened this Memorial Day morning not only remembering what this national holiday is about, but also with some sense of hope regarding a peaceful, enjoyable, carefree summer ahead.
Instead, for many people of Blair County and places beyond, Memorial Day 2022 began with continuing sadness over what happened Tuesday in Uvalde, Texas, and anxiety about what might lie ahead on many fronts -- local, state, national and around the world.
This is a fragile time when anything might happen, and many people -- the powerful and not-so-powerful -- have an unfortunate hand in that fragility.
It is to be hoped that Memorial Day 2023 will be much more settling and hopeful, but don't count on it.
That is especially so regarding the unconscionable, horrific violence that continues to pervade this nation.
But, this day, nevertheless, should not fail to focus on what this observance really represents. It is the day set aside each year for Americans to honor the brave, selfless men and women who gave their lives while serving in this country's armed forces -- individuals who helped ensure that the United States would remain a free country.
It also is an important day from another perspective. It is the day each year when Americans place emphasis on remembering, in a special way, family members and friends who have passed away.
For many, that involves visiting cemeteries and placing flowers on the relatives' and friends' graves -- and perhaps reciting a prayer while there.
As part of those visits, people sometimes encounter friends who recall interactions or friendships with those being remembered and honored on this day.
Regarding remembrance of those who gave their lives while serving in this nation's military, many people here and beyond are proud to attend the parades and other ceremonies that are part of the day.
It is important to remind people that Memorial Day is different from Veterans Day, also a national holiday, which is observed on Nov. 11. Veterans Day honors all honorably discharged U.S. military veterans, whether or not they died while in this country's service.
After parades and other observances today, many people will embark to parks or their backyards for picnics or cookouts; others
will opt for some routine or not-so-routine shopping.
Unlike Memorial Day 2020, when this country was struggling amid the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's holiday is destined to be more like what Americans always had been accustomed to in prior years, except for what happened in Uvalde.
Tragically and sadly, there is one aspect of what happened in Texas last week that was similar to when military families have been notified of a family member's death while on duty.
The survivors' lives never again were the same.
So will it be for the families who lost a child in Uvalde on Tuesday. Their lives are forever changed.
Meanwhile, the shooter scarred the lives of every child survivor at Robb Elementary School forever. They never will feel as secure and safe as they did before gunman Salvador Ramos, 18, entered the school and opened fire.
Many children suffered psychological trauma that never will cease -- not in adulthood as well as not in childhood.
A peaceful, carefree and enjoyable summer ahead, built on the foundation of Memorial Day?
It is difficult to envision how that might be possible.