JerseySmarts.com

Memorial Day 2009

Joe — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:08:06 +0000

Today, I made it a point to watch some of the coverage of President Barack Obama laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I also watched some coverage of the other Memorial Day events around the country. And through all of this coverage, I kept hearing people say to each other in these somber voices, “Happy Memorial Day.”

Really? Is that what we’re supposed to say? Honestly, I don’t know (which is why I’m putting up this entry).

Is Memorial Day a “happy” holiday? Sure, we celebrate the lives of those who have fought and died protecting this country, its allies, and its Constitution. And yes, I’m a firm believer in happy remembrances instead of constant self-pity at the death of those close to us. But is the holiday really a “happy” holiday?

I tend to think not. At the same time, I don’t think that you can rightly walk around saying, “Somber Memorial Day” or “Blessed Memorial Day” to everyone. That might get awkward for any number of reasons. Maybe, as a society, we’ve decided to just throw the word “happy” in front of Memorial Day so we can have something to say to each other. Or maybe there are so many people who are jacked up about the three or four day weekend that they get that they don’t understand the true meaning of the holiday and thus tack “happy” on the front of the holiday’s name since they are happy to be out of work for a few days.

I don’t know. I’d be interested to hear if any of you have some thoughts on what we’re supposed to say today.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

Joe — Sun, 10 May 2009 13:39:06 +0000

A very happy and loving Mother’s Day to the best Mom in the world – my Mom! By the time this entry is automatically loaded onto the blog I should be on my way north to meet up with her and the rest of my family for some quality time.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Inauguration Day!

Joe — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:55:09 +0000

Today marks a great day in American history. The nation’s first black President is sworn in and every forward thinking American hopes to move into a post-racial society. The election and swearing in of Barack Obama means so much to so many people. To this American, I hope that it means our country can finally get over whatever happened hundreds of years ago and that we can move into an era of judging people based on the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

Frankly, I think we’re there already. Some people just needed a symbol and today they get that symbol. It’s time to make waves in this country again!

Happy State Championship Day!

Joe — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:30:00 +0000

For my old high school buddies and my cousin who make visits to my blog every once in a while, here’s wishing a Happy State Championship Day to you all! Hard to imagine that it has been ten years since we won Roxbury’s only on-field state championship in school history. Unbelievable how fast time flies.

Make sure you contact Justin about the dinner next week at The Barn. See you guys there!