I don't do Memorial Day. I suppose Memorial Day does me, days and weeks before the annual barrage of remembrance platitudes. Recollections of ageless high school friends flood my senses during its flag-waving buildup, specters alive as if they actually came home from Vietnam in one piece. My childhood rival and best friend was missing in action for nearly 20 years before what was left of him was found. I’ve thought of him for almost 50 years, living and dreaming enough for both of us, but this week is hard.
Pretense of Remembrance on Memorial Day
Pretense of Remembrance on Memorial Day
Pretense of Remembrance on Memorial Day
I don't do Memorial Day. I suppose Memorial Day does me, days and weeks before the annual barrage of remembrance platitudes. Recollections of ageless high school friends flood my senses during its flag-waving buildup, specters alive as if they actually came home from Vietnam in one piece. My childhood rival and best friend was missing in action for nearly 20 years before what was left of him was found. I’ve thought of him for almost 50 years, living and dreaming enough for both of us, but this week is hard.