I've always loved to study history, but I'm afraid I wouldn't make a very good historian because I tend to lose the big picture by worrying about the little things.
For example, when studying the medieval period, I would get distracted wondering what serf mothers used for diapers.
I remember memorizing dates and places for famous victories, surrenders and treaties to end wars, but what I really wanted to know was what happened to all those troops from that moment on. How did they learn the war was over, and how did they get home again?
When learning of Marie Antoinette's declaration that the starving masses should eat cake, I wondered what kind of cake she was talking about -- yellow layer cake with chocolate icing? A fancy torte? Cheesecake?
I think the little details of history are fascinating. It's the layers of trivia and shared culture that make the big picture of history.
When my daughter was younger and into the whole American Girl doll thing, we learned a lot about America during World War II and what daily life was like.
It was the first time I learned about blue star and gold star flags that would hang in people's homes to represent sons and daughters serving in the military. The blue stars were for family members in service, and the gold stars represented those who died for their country.
As we approach Memorial Day this weekend, I started thinking about those stars and how we are charged to remember on this holiday.
No special events are planned this year in the towns of Midland, Mount Pleasant or Locust, so it's up to each of us to remember in our own way.
I talked with a couple of veterans from our area about what Memorial Day means to them and how they remember.
Will Mann served as an Army engineer during World War II, but when I asked him about Memorial Day, he thought of peonies in Missouri.
Will grew up in the Ozarks, and Memorial Day for him always meant going to the cemetery in Pleasant Ridge, Mo., where the whole family and community would gather for "Decoration Day." Everyone would come together for a service at the church, which was used only for special occasions, followed by potluck dinner on the grounds.
He recalls going through the graveyard, pausing to remember those who had passed on, decorating the graves with beautiful flowers, and being with family and friends. Decoration Day was an all-day affair and something that everyone looked forward to all year.
Will and his wife, Barbara, think the Memorial Day holiday has diminished somewhat in recent years. When they were younger, people didn't have as many opportunities to travel and visit, so days like Memorial Day were extra special because they meant gathering with loved ones you didn't see so often.
They're looking forward to the holiday weekend this year because their children are coming to visit, so it's still a special family gathering time for them.
The act of remembering is still important to the Manns, whether it be remembering fallen soldiers, loved ones who have passed on, or simply the wonderful stories that belong to their family.
Dennis Smith, a Vietnam-era veteran, said he's fortunate that all his family lives nearby, and they try to gather for every Sunday dinner they can. So Memorial Day isn't so much a family affair as a time for individual observances.
It's a day to remember the guys who didn't come back, he said. He reflected on his time of service, remembering the battles and the war. He has not done anything special by way of observing the day, but the act of remembering is clearly important to him.
With our memories come a lot of gratitude, for what we have and for what others have sacrificed.
In the big picture of history, it's important to remember the details -- all the blue and gold stars -- that are part of our community. It's important to remember family and friends and to be thankful.
I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and that you will take a moment to remember.
Morris
