who we are
The sad, final notes of taps could be heard on the breeze before the sharp cracks of the 21 gun salute. People filed away thoughtfully, quietly reflecting on the brief but poignant ceremony. The flowers began the slow process of withering away. In short order, the laughter of children splashing in the community pool filled the air along with the scents of charcoal grilling and bar-b-que like only Americans can make. Memorial Day. We took time to remember our dead and appreciate our living.
The ragtag assembly of Americans held a Memorial Day ceremony. It was tastefully done. The Japanese flag was present, next to the American, and the Japanese anthem was played along with the American anthem all so as not to offend. WWII was mentioned, how could it not be mentioned? However, the Japanese contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom, with their soldiers right next to our own, was mentioned as well. We held a table ceremony, displayed a wreath, sang some patriotic songs, played taps and had a 21 gun salute. Everyone left feeling in some way that a moral obligation as Americans had been fulfilled. Our Japanese friends appreciated the solemnity of the occasion often they feel that Americans are too frivolous, to quick to forgive and forget. I was glad my daughter went. We try very hard to teach her to be open-minded, a citizen of the world; however, it is also important for her to remember where she came from, that she is an American and with all of the wonderful rights and freedoms comes responsibility to those who do not have them. Sometimes it has meant soldiers giving their lives in defense of their own country, but more often it means soldiers giving their lives in defense of someone elses. We cant forget about them, even when were half a world away from home.
After the ceremony, my daughter went swimming while I fired up the grill, steak All-American beef plus mashed potatoes, sautéed summer squash and pistachio cream pie.
Just to remind us we’re not in our backyards in the States, Japan decided to shake us around again this evening. They’re saying it was a 7 about 250 km north of here. Things were swaying pretty hard here, but no major damage in Sagami Hara.