It'll Be A Fun Memorial Day Parade, But Led By A Caisson

It's probably an indication of just how long it has been since we in America celebrated Memorial Day in the light it was intended, but a person made a comment to me the other day that, I'll admit, caught me short. The comment was this: "I heard you are going to have a hearse in this `Proud To Be An American' parade the American Legion is planning." And I said yes, it will be led by a military caisson carrying a flagdraped casket, and it will be followed by a more modern vehicle, a hearse, carrying another flag-draped casket. "This," I said, "is a Memorial Day parade."

Afterward it dawned on me that it has been a long time since we celebrated Memorial Day in America the way it was intended, and if that person is listening, let me tell you how the entire parade shapes up.

The 2003 Memorial Day Parade will begin, it is true, with the flag-draped caskets, for the intent is to remind us all that there are people who have given their lives that we in America might be free. They gave their all, and they are the primary ones we memorialize.

Right behind them will come representatives of the former prisoners-of-war, people who gave up their own freedom for a time in their fight for our freedom. And then will come representatives of all who have offered their lives for our freedom in the various wars. And we are expanding that this year to memorialize those who lost their lives in the 9-11 attack on America, and to honor our homeland defenders, the police and firemen.

But interspersed with these groups will be bands, and military vehicles, and other groups. A number will include lively young people, and patriotic groups, and it will include the most colorful of all parade participants, the Shriners. It is going to be a fun parade, but when all is said and done, it is hoped we all will remember the 2003 Memorial Day parade in Gainesville, Georgia, was a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives, and those who offered their lives, and those who are STILL offering their lives, that we might be free.

This is Gordon Sawyer, from a window on historic Green Street.