Would those that fought in WWII recognize what has become of our nation? They defended democracy and then two and half decades later they put a man on the moon. In 1962 John F. Kennedy said “We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”.  It seems so long ago. Were we or our nation perfect? Not be a long shot!  No one is, and certainly no nation is.

But look at us today? What would the “greatest generation” think of America today? Rampant racism, hatred, tribalism, political division of epic proportions and mass shootings and other violence happening on daily basis.  Things seem to be spinning out of control, with many becoming almost numb to it all. In a couple of weeks we have witnessed several mass shootings, the latest at a school in Texas. Nineteen innocent children and two teachers murdered. I heard someone say that perhaps children will not be victims of senseless gun violence when gun owners finally choose to love them more than their guns.

Ok, time for me to take a breath …

Then on Memorial Day I got up early, did my normal walking, took Sparky for his walk and then finally walked to the parade to enjoy and photograph it. Same thing I do every other year (except during the height of COVID).

But something strange happened. It turns out where I live things are split pretty evenly between Democrats and Republicans, but on this beautiful sunny day all those lining the parade route were smiling and friendly with one and other … just happy to be out enjoying themselves and commemorating those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Even when a float for one of the political parties drove by no one skipped a beat, clapping, smiling and being nice.

I ran into a few friends and someone even stopped to asked me about my Leica and where he could get his old Minolta fixed so he could start using film again – I was really feeling it!

I felt like I was an American again, like I did before our national nightmare began.  When the parade ended I walked over to the cemetery and attended the annual memorial ceremony put on by the United Veterans of Doylestown. I listened to the closing benediction and made my last exposure; then I spoke to an older veteran and thanked him for his service.  A fitting end to an enjoyable and moving experience!

I knew that the next day I would hear of or read something that would snap me back into the current reality, but on that fine day there was hope in my heart for our country and for all of us.

Stay well,

Michael