Last weekend was a long one here in the USA. It was Memorial Day weekend.

My military friends tell me this is a holiday to mark the sacrifice of all those who have died in war. They have another – Veterans Day – on what we would call Remembrance Day, which is a day off only for those in uniform and marks all those who have served.

I think the closest Australian comparison I could draw for today would be ANZAC Day but without all the history, patriotism, grief, ritual, ceremony, weeks of preparations, etc…

Instead, it appears to be an occasion on which one either has a barbecue or attends sales at malls. The particularly versatile members of the population do both and buy barbecues on sale at malls.

You get my drift.

I know I worked for Defence, and perhaps I have a greater sensitivity to these things than other Aussies, but frankly I am shocked. It’s bizarre. I am accustomed to weeks of buildup to commemorations, preparations for dawn services and pilgrimmages to ANZAC Cove. There are no television programs talking about the military history of America, explaining what the reasons were for sending these young people to die for their country, and nothing on the news programs about commemorations.

There have been no set pieces about school kids wanting to represent their grandfathers in marches or anything like that; nothing, nada, zip. There has been no examination of the role of other countries armed forces in American Celebrations (heaven forbid). There haven’t even been any people out collecting money for veterans’ organisations like our Legacy, etc.

Of course, they are quite entitled to mark the day as they see fit. Don’t misunderstand me here. I’m just remarking on the contrast between the cultures.

That’s all. It’s a shame really.

ttfn,

S.