Summer is bookended by two federal holidays: Memorial Day and Labor Day. Year after year they provide a week-end of catch your breath for what’s ahead and three months later, wrap all up, gather the backpack, and move ahead. No difficult formula exists. Always the last Monday in May or the first Monday in September. I find it a little amusing that Memorial Day began orginally as a recognition of those who died in the Civil War. It was expanding to all who served in the military with its history ignored at the same time we are tearing down oblesisks in town squares. A good example of moving on to something better without having riots or taking sides. In my lifetime, the obligatory family gathering has included come to Aimwell to clean the family cemetery before eating fried chicken, deviled eggs, and apple pie. We told family stories and shared plans for the summer.
Camps, vacations, fireworks. The sun rays reach north to shine directly on the Tropic of Cancer and imperceptibly change direction to move south again. School supplies begin appearing on shelves of various shops. Toes scrunch against the ends of shoes worn in May. The time comes for another gather together time. Some schools and 2 -a-day football have already started. Not very many are celebrating a Labor Union providing a long week-end for workers, yet this is the last opportunity to count on children not being on site at school for Monday through Friday. If close enough, some first time college students come home to prove they have survived on their own. Food is grilling hamburgers and bar-b-que and the last cold juiciness of red watermelon. Fall begins with a four day week.
Every holiday should count for its reason, its memories, and its impetus to forward motion. Israel lived by a lunar calendar, marked by a sliver of a new moon in the sky. Spotters were placed on hillsides to watch. At the first appearance, a fire was lighted to be seen from afar and a trumpet sounded to herald a change. Families gathered for feasts at the new month. Part of reason for congregating was to offer thanks for the cycle that had passed and guidance for the one to come. In one way, a new time began September 5. Consider where we have been and where we are going and remember what is important.
On the day of your gladness also, and at your appointed feasts and jat the beginnings of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings. They shall be a reminder of you before your God: I am the Lord your God.”
Numbers 10:10
Let Me Tell Ya 