Memorial

Today, of course, is Memorial Day in the United States. A day to remember those who have served in the military and given their lives for us.

It’s a Federal holiday, so most people are off work. Not me, though. The mall was open normal hours so I had to work my regular five-hour Monday shift.  Most years I don't give more than a token thought to the meaning behind Memorial Day (isn’t that sad?), but because I was being compelled to work I kept thinking about it and wondering what I could do to commemorate it.

Traffic was very light this morning and I got to the mall with 20 minutes to spare. I used that time to drive to a nearby Walgreens, where I bought a small American flag. At the Customer Service desk I struck the flag in a basket of green plants. I guess it wasn't too visible, because no one commented on it, but every time I looked over there it reminded me of the importance of the day.