Memorial Day

I've read several articles this morning across the news spectrum - from Facebook postings to the NYTimes to the UK's Daily Mail - what struck me is our understanding, or lack thereof, of our past history and experiences, show a direct correlation to the air of malaise affecting the United States of America. On this day of remembrance, we honor our past and current soldiers in arms for their service on behalf of our country, its ideals, and its overwhelming success as a beacon of freedom and opportunity unmatched in modern history. But on the flipside, we conduct so much of our daily live tethered to dying ideas - politics, the education of our young, the workplace, the way we travel to and from it, the literal and emotional value of it - we all should take a moment today to not only salute those who have secured and continue to protect the US but we should also honor the American spirit - unyielding in exploring new opportunities and new ideas, sharing a collective vision of supporting our neighbors and those who need help unselfishly and without great fanfare, and remembering that we are ALL our brother's keepers. On this Memorial Day, remember our past but lift your gaze and be bold, creative, compassionate, and as our ancestors did, don't be afraid of change - embrace it wholeheartedly with passion and ambition. As with many holidays, we should not have one day of remembrance for those who serve on the front lines of battle throughout our history, we should be grateful every day. Those of us who have not served should take every opportunity to make our servicemen proud by taking this fractured, angry, scared populace and lift it above the partisanship, greed and divisiveness in today's world. Service can be honored by remembering that we, the people, need to create our more perfect union. We owe it to our servicemen and women who put themselves in harm's way on our behalf.

little things

So I walk to the Brookland Metro stop - an eight minute trek morning and evening. Over the past six months I'd say, I pass an older woman on her way to work. She's very attractive but didn't wear makeup and kept her gaze down, averting my eyes. She seemed kindly - about two months ago, she and I crossed paths and she and I looked at each other and I said "good morning", she smiled a beautiful smile and said "good morning" back. Since that point, for whatever reasons in her life, I noticed that every time we encounter each other, she is wearing a little more makeup, usually a beautiful shade of lipstick, dressing with a bit more flair, and more confident in her composure.

Now I know that I am taking way too much credit for my morning friend's blossoming, I do think that there is a power in acknowledging others in simple ways. I believe there are times when we all need someone to recognize us with something as simple as a hello. I feel so good when we cross paths and we both smile at each other and say "good morning."

The biggest of change happens with the smallest of gestures.