Memorial Day

Memorial Day in DC

About seven years ago our grandson from California came for a visit. One of the places he wanted to see was Arlington National Cemetery. I have been there a few times -  before I was married - and several times afterwards. I saw the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns when I was a child, and a few times since. The view of the city from the top of the hill is breathtaking. While we were there with our grandson, a funeral procession was in process with the full caisson. Though we didn't know the family, it was moving all the same. We made several stops along the way and ultimately found ourselves at the Vietnam Memorial Wall. So today it is fitting to think about all the times we passed through these places and remember what we saw there. It never gets any easier, I just get older and think about it from different sets of eyes.

Memorial Day Concert and Parade - Washouts?!

I forgot that the dress rehearsal for the Memorial Day concert was Saturday. It was a beautiful evening too. So we missed that. We thought about going to the televised concert last evening, but it was pouring rain. I wouldn't have minded seeing the Beach Boys - after all, theirs was the first concert I ever went to! So we watched a bit on TV instead. The crowds were really sparse. I felt bad for all the visitors and performers. This morning we took our usual morning jaunt on the mall. It was much busier than yesterday, and the crews were already dismantling the stage in front of the Capitol. But all along Constitution Avenue and the mall the streets were already closed for the parade at 2:30. Folks with large badges and t shirts touting Memorial Day parade 2016 were seen everywhere. The VIP section in front of the archives was all ready for whomever gets a perfect seat there. It used to be when we walked later in the day we would run in to these events as they were in progress. But in the hotter months we try to walk earlier to avoid heatstroke. And wouldn't you know the weather forecast is for 100% right around the time of the parade. I wouldn't be caught dead sitting or standing in rain. But I'm sure it won't stop most people from going. I wish I was a bit more adventurous - but I'm just too practical. Maybe next year?

Avoid Rolling Thunder at All Costs

As it becomes warmer in the morning, I need to get up earlier to avoid heatstroke during the AM walk. I hate mornings and have developed a habit of getting up at 9:30 AM since I retired in February. But that doesn't work in summer. In the past, we somehow ended up walking later in the day on weekends and have always run in to the rolling thunder mess around the mall on Memorial Day weekend. Luckily, we didn't see a bit of it because it was so quiet at 8:30 on Sunday! After breakfast, we thought we could outsmart the mess, and decided to search for a lampshade that needs replacement and wanted to get to McLean. That was the biggest mistake! Aside from the exit closures because of all the motorcycles around the pentagon, and the baseball game, we were stuck in a big way. So we changed over to the opposite direction and headed to Alexandria to the target store for a few items, then towards Mount Vernon just for the ride and to let the time pass so we could safely return without all the turmoil. In the meantime, we were getting thirsty and stopped at McDonald's for our favorite lemonade - which was refreshing on the way back home. We were going to go out this evening for dinner but have decided against it unless it is within walking distance. It's nice that everyone comes to the city for events and such, but it can be a real pain for the locals. I thought when we left Milwaukee we also left rolling thunder behind. Thanks goodness it's not every weekend - but there's always something else. 

Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue and Newseum Front Pages

As is our habit whenever I am not working, I get up earlier than I used to and we go for a walk on the Mall. It was eerily quiet in our neighborhood on Capitol Hill because all the Federal workers, including myself, were off. The Memorial Day parade was scheduled for 2 PM. We were on our way much earlier than that, but decided to stop by the parade route on the way back home along Constitution Avenue. The folks setting up and making final preparations were hard at work. Right across from the Archives and next to the sculpture garden were the VIP seats, covered with umbrellas and separate VIP Porta potties. The food trucks and vendors were also setting up shop and the command center vehicle was already parked. The Avenue itself was very quiet. We then made our way towards the Newseum. The headlines from each state and several countries are on display and changed daily. Most of the headlines reflected the holiday with the exception of Texas and Oklahoma. Floods and ravaging weather took a priority. I particularly checked the states we are most associated with - Florida, DC, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Connecticut. I'm sorry we missed the actual parade today, but was glad we got a feel for it, and we have seen it before. It was a beautiful weekend for all the events here in the Capitol city, and we always try to make the most it. And it's all right in our back yard. 

Memorial Day Concert Dress Rehearsal

One of the benefits of living in Washington is that we can take part in as much or as little as we want, and can change our minds about going or not going to events based on the weather or assorted other things. Since it was a beautiful evening yesterday, we decided go to the Memorial Day concert dress rehearsal. It is not as busy, and most of the performers are there. So we walked on over, got through security, and wandered on to the Capitol grounds. It's not the same as the actual event, but just as interesting. I think a lot of the locals go at this time rather than get caught up in the mess of the mobs and traffic of the real time event. The gates open at five, and many folks bring picnic baskets and make a whole day of it. The usual hosts were there - Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna - as well as Lawrence Fishburne, Gloria Estefan, and assorted other performers we aren't as familiar with. We've been coming to this and most Capitol concerts for the last nine years. For visitors it must be exciting to get caught up in this and everything else going on this weekend - the Nationals have baseball games, rolling thunder is closing down streets all over town, and the Memorial Day parade will be held tomorrow down Constitution Avenue. We sometimes take it all for granted and anytime we think about moving from here we end up changing our minds. It's a place of excitement and irritation. So as long as we an stand the irritations, we are probably here to stay. 

Gypped out of a Holiday or Two

When I worked full time over the last almost forty years, it was a pleasure to have a three day weekend.  In the private sector, we had eight holidays. But working in health care twenty four hours a day seven days a week, you didn't always have off on the actual holiday. It had to be worked in to the schedule so that you got it within that two week pay period. Gradually I made my way in to an office setting and at least had a more reasonable schedule and consistent holidays off.  Since moving to DC, I had the additional benefit of getting ten paid holiday days off instead of just eight. Since I went to part time in March of this year, my schedule changed to three days a week and from nine hour to eight hour shifts. Sunday evening is is no longer a torture. By Monday, the work week has already started. But when it comes to holidays, I gypped myself out of at least four by having every Monday off. Now when I see the holiday sign at work it doesn't mean so much to me anymore. In the end I would rather have every Monday off rather than just a few during the year. Maybe I can change a fixed work schedule to one a little more flexible...and schedule a work day on a Monday Holiday. Or maybe I can adjust six days down to five.