Memorial Day - 31 May 2021 - Plague Journal Day 445

Micah 6:8
John 15:13
Yes, your life matters.

We all are still sheltering in place, but I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one?

Today is Memorial Day in these United States. It's the day when we remember those who gave their lives that we might live, and live free.
I have several family members and ancestors who served in the military [my son-Army, my dad-Navy, my great-great-grandfather-Union Army (US Civil War)], but I'm not aware of any who made that final sacrifice.

This once was called Decoration Day - the day when we would decorate (and clean up) the graves of our fallen. Somehow it's devolved into a long weekend of grilling and furniture sales. I guess that's still part of what they died for - so that we can be jerks and worry about our pleasures and convenience rather than what's important. I just pray that we'll also remember the real reasons they died - to keep us free. Not just free to play around and enjoy ourselves - that's part of it for sure - but from oppression in all its forms.

Today also is the ninety-somethingth birthday of my late father-in-law. He was a wonderful man, and I miss him all the time - especially when it's grilling season (pace what I wrote above) and we break out the bratwurst, as it was Dad who taught me how properly to grill those little wonders. I love you Dad - see you one of these days. RIP, Del Schneider.


Keep Calm and Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264.