belladonna
Professional
Hello all...I wasn't sure where to post this, so I'll put it here and stand corrected if need be.
I have lived here in the US now for eight years and became an official citizen in 2019. Canada and the US share much in the ways of our cultures, but in many ways, we are so different. Canada remembers her fallen heroes in November and the poppy is symbol of somber remembrance. When I was in the military, we marched in community parades and paid our respects at local war memorials. THEN, there were refreshments served (adult beverages) at the Junior Ranks Mess of the local base, where all were invited to attend.
I have learned that in the USA, everything is done in a BIG way. It feels like I came from a very restrained and reserved family and have been adopted by a very proud, open and gregarious one. Americans celebrate things in a very big way, and I love it.
Memorial Day here is a long weekend of camping, cookouts, parties and fireworks. My husband and I retreat to far northern Minnesota where his cousin lives. The cousin owns a logging business passed down through the family, and he owns hundreds of acres where we go to shoot and hunt, and enjoy the outdoors. Hunting camps are opened up and the clan gets together to enjoy the weekend.
On Memorial Day Monday, we go to several small, rural cemeteries to attend services (they are conducted every hour so people can attend those they wish to), and lay wreaths and flowers where the family's veterans rest. I always tear up during these services and I leave with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I truly love the way these far north communities come together each year to pay respect and gratitude to those who gave, and gave their all to protect this country and our freedom. I don't want to go all political because there is still a lot I don't know, but I am seeing the denigration of our freedoms, and society as a whole, because our "leaders" can't stop fighting among themselves like little children. Their main objectives are to be reelected. Period. If we managed our households the way they have been managing this country, we would be in debtors' prison. Anyway...I digress.
I feel truly blessed to be living in this country. I fought hard to be here. Anyone who has navigated the immigration system in this country would understand. I am sure I am not the only one who is sensing this decline (for lack of a better word). We need to use holidays like this one to instill the values and pride in our young people, because they are our only hope. Just my ever so humble, unsolicited opinion.
If you read through all of this, thank you. Just needed to get it out. Peace, out.
Enjoy your day!
I have lived here in the US now for eight years and became an official citizen in 2019. Canada and the US share much in the ways of our cultures, but in many ways, we are so different. Canada remembers her fallen heroes in November and the poppy is symbol of somber remembrance. When I was in the military, we marched in community parades and paid our respects at local war memorials. THEN, there were refreshments served (adult beverages) at the Junior Ranks Mess of the local base, where all were invited to attend.
I have learned that in the USA, everything is done in a BIG way. It feels like I came from a very restrained and reserved family and have been adopted by a very proud, open and gregarious one. Americans celebrate things in a very big way, and I love it.
Memorial Day here is a long weekend of camping, cookouts, parties and fireworks. My husband and I retreat to far northern Minnesota where his cousin lives. The cousin owns a logging business passed down through the family, and he owns hundreds of acres where we go to shoot and hunt, and enjoy the outdoors. Hunting camps are opened up and the clan gets together to enjoy the weekend.
On Memorial Day Monday, we go to several small, rural cemeteries to attend services (they are conducted every hour so people can attend those they wish to), and lay wreaths and flowers where the family's veterans rest. I always tear up during these services and I leave with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I truly love the way these far north communities come together each year to pay respect and gratitude to those who gave, and gave their all to protect this country and our freedom. I don't want to go all political because there is still a lot I don't know, but I am seeing the denigration of our freedoms, and society as a whole, because our "leaders" can't stop fighting among themselves like little children. Their main objectives are to be reelected. Period. If we managed our households the way they have been managing this country, we would be in debtors' prison. Anyway...I digress.
I feel truly blessed to be living in this country. I fought hard to be here. Anyone who has navigated the immigration system in this country would understand. I am sure I am not the only one who is sensing this decline (for lack of a better word). We need to use holidays like this one to instill the values and pride in our young people, because they are our only hope. Just my ever so humble, unsolicited opinion.
If you read through all of this, thank you. Just needed to get it out. Peace, out.
Enjoy your day!
