Memorial Day this Year

I have often griped in the past about not having a veterans day off. It went on like that for more than 3 decades since my release from active duty. For some reason every time it came around I had to work. It has not been the same with Memorial Day. This year will be the first in my memory, going back at least 30 years or so, when I WILL be working on Memorial Day.

I should be thankful that I have a job and believe me, I am. It's just that this year I was drafted to work on what would otherwise be a paid holiday. It doesn't feel like much of a Holiday if you're working does it? Oh well, that's life in the post recession corporatocracy we like to call the good Ole USA.

Many of my fellow employees are in the same boat. We will spend 4 hour shifts tomorrow answering calls about auto glass pricing and scheduling. It seems our busy country and populace require instant auto glass gratification. So while you are basking in the sun on the beach or considering the plane, train or auto ride home from the memorial day trip, I will be there for you if a rock dings your windshield or a vandal or thief breaks your drivers door glass and makes off with your Garmin.

Of course the real meaning and purpose of Memorial Day usually gets lost in the drive to maximize vacation time and leisure. If you're interested in the genesis of this holiday, then please go here. The official date of inception is May 30th 1868. A union general named John Logan declared this day as a time to put flowers on the graves of union and confederate soldiers.

So................ Whether you're working tomorrow, finishing your holiday or just hanging at your house, please take a minute and contemplate why we honor the millions of soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines who gave their lives fighting battles in the name of our country.

RT