All, in the states it's Memorial Day weekend coming up--now known for barbecues and tire sales--but it was created to honor those killed in war. My newspaper column this week features an amazing trip I took recently in search of a downed military pilot and so I saved it for this weekend in honor of the holiday--if you get a chance, I hope you enjoy it. Also, outside the states, for all of your family and friends lost during wartime, heartfelt respect and remembrances your way - may the good Lord shine a light on them

My column
[www.hbindependent.com]

I also created an on-line photo gallery of the experience:
[www.hbindependent.com]

BBQs and live music are a must on this day - will be doing both, seeing the legendary Flatlanders at a local bbq joint....

Flatlanders are outstanding
Perhaps topped only by Dale Watson at The Continental on Memorial Day
[www.dalewatson.com]

BBQs and live music are a must on this day
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I know, i know--me too - but I still find a moment or two for some reflection

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hbwriter
BBQs and live music are a must on this day
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I know, i know--me too - but I still find a moment or two for some reflection

i find a moment or three for some refreshment

i find a moment or three for some refreshment
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then you are a true American

it's not exactly july 4th, but it's close...as letterman says regarding the 4th: it's the classic american holiday that combines alcohol and explosives....

I work every Memorial Day.
We have to give up Memorial Day in exchange for having off on Mardi Gras/Carnival.

Many folks have given their lives for the cause of freedom and continue to do so. My thoughts are with their families on this invaluable holiday.

Yes unfortunately the true meaning of Memorial Day gets lost in the unofficial kickoff to summer thought process of the holiday. However I get a very strong reminder of the true meaning of it. I live across the street from the Golden Gate National Cemetary. A veterans cemetary in San Bruno,CA. Every year troops of Boy Scouts come out and place small flags at the foot of every tombstone in the cemetary. No small feat,considering their is probably a few thousand graves in this place. But a very moving tribute.
On the fun side,I am heading up to the SCL Summer Palace(formerly the winter palace) in Lake Tahoe for some serious R & R.

I will probably watch a war film or two.

When my son was a Boy Scout he participated in the Memorial Day ceremony at Forest Lawn in Long Beach.

Ever since then I've been attending. It's good to show the families of the fallen that you respect, honor, and appreciate their sacrifice. That's the least any of us can do.

Bass--"Sands of Iwo Jima" is a good one for the day

Try the John Ford film "They Were Expendable." Not a typical vintage war film in that it doesn't add any glamour to war heroics.

When exactly is Memorial Day..this coming Monday??

Loog--great suggestion - and yes, Monday

Big Memorial Day tradition here:

Nice post, and nice article Chris.

My kids love Memorial Day weekend, mostly for the time off of school and the "unofficial" kick off to summer. A day for fun, family, BBQ, boating, and relaxation for sure. But we make it a point to walk to our local, small town Memorial Day parade every year. It keeps everything in perspective. Honor and remembrance are ever so important, especially in these trying times.

Like all American holidays it has lost it's true meaning. Unlike some of the others its true meaning is actually...true. It hasn't 'become' something else like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Neither of those are true to begin with anyway.

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hbwriter
BBQs and live music are a must on this day
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I know, i know--me too - but I still find a moment or two for some reflection

I think everyone does. But we gotta eat. We got friends over since their off work as well so why not have a party? I think the reason is still there.

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harlito1969

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hbwriter
BBQs and live music are a must on this day
---

I know, i know--me too - but I still find a moment or two for some reflection

I think everyone does. But we gotta eat. We got friends over since their off work as well so why not have a party? I think the reason is still there.

the reason? cos we're hungry and thisty? that's two good reasons....

Going to a blues festival. B.B. King, Kenny Wayne Sheppard and many others. Kind of bringing in the party and blues together for the day.

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T&A

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harlito1969

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hbwriter
BBQs and live music are a must on this day
---

I know, i know--me too - but I still find a moment or two for some reflection

I think everyone does. But we gotta eat. We got friends over since their off work as well so why not have a party? I think the reason is still there.

the reason? cos we're hungry and thisty? that's two good reasons....

I know it is a good day or weekend to get families together because it is always a 3-day weekend. It happens, food and drink is there. It's fun. The true meaning never changes and I do not believe it is forgotten.

Unfortunately it is one of the few times in the year when all this can happen with many families.

Chris, that was a very good article. It reminded me that those who died to preserve our nation and our freedoms did not ALL die in combat. But they died, as did this man in the article, in service to our nation nonetheless. God bless them all.

I noticed that you wrote a book about Huntington Beach. As a teen, I used to drive there just about every day in the summer, from LA. We would hang out between lifeguard stations 1 and 3, on the south side of the pier. I have lots of good memories from those days!

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Chris Fountain
Many folks have given their lives for the cause of freedom and continue to do so. My thoughts are with their families on this invaluable holiday.

That's a nice thought.