Memorial Day observations

Watched a small-town parade this morning and visited a state park this afternoon. It was a beautiful, dry, sunny day. A few things occurred to me during this time...

As bystanders at the parade applauded for the young soldiers (all men, that I could see), I couldn't help but imagine that of the group of 20 or so, five or six men will likely be sent to battle somewhere in the next few years and one or two might not return alive. Many of these men looked about 18, 20 years old, fit and focused, and seemingly naive, but perhaps not. I'm sure they understand the risks involved in wearing the uniform. But you want to ask them: Do you really know what you're getting yourself into? Do their parents care? I mean, we need them, absolutely, but if it were my son, would I try to offer as many alternatives as possible to volunteering for the armed forces? The answer is yes.

Watching a Memorial Day parade during wartime is especially moving. You appreciate more fully the idea of serving one's country. This was especially so in the first few years after 9/11, but is it still true.

I could not believe the number of girl scout troops marching in the parade, all from the same community. Are the Brownies making a comeback? There had to have been 200 Brownies, in their little brown vests, the smell of thin mints and peanut butter cookies not quite washed from their hands from recent fundraisers. The Brownies vastly outnumbered Cub Scouts; they had them beat (in sheer parade length) by a whole block. I wonder what's going on, here. Are the mothers better at recruiting girls for this? Are fewer boys becoming Boy Scouts? I'm not THAT interested in answering these questions, but this was obvious enough to arouse some interest.

Is it not common knowledge that Pit Bulls should remain at home? I see more of them leashed - and unleashed - in public places where children are or could be. What will it take for owners of Pit Bulls and other vicious breeds such as Rottweilers to understand that their dogs are bred to fight/kill, and places where innocent strangers pass them on the sidewalk or grassy knoll are not good places to bring them? I know the answer. Highly publicized attacks on innocent strangers.

It is amazing to witness the power of blowing bubbles on young children. Bigger than TV or Chuck E. Cheese. Well, maybe not. (Note: Check where your bubbles are made. Ours were made in China. Hey, kids, don't drink the bubbles!)