As we honor all veterans, past and present, here on Memorial Day, we would like to point you in the direction of a couple of links to reflect on:
Here’s a tradition of The Register-Guard: The Gettysburg Address
And here’s a post from a big Duck fan, Jim Wickre: Memorial Day 2008
All of us here at Duck Sports News hope you have a safe and happy Memorial Day.
God bless.
- Duck Sports News
Hank Hosfield Says:
May 26th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Good stuff, Jay.
Jim Wickre’s post–especially the editorial description of traditional Memorial Day observance–was sobering and inspirational all at once.
Times have changed, but I recall when we used to display the big flag with 48 stars that draped over my grandfather’s coffin. He was a hall of fame football and basketball coach who left his North Akron High powerhouse to serve in WWII. He returned, but died short years after the war from hidden brain injury likely sustained when his ship was bombed. I only knew him from a few photos and stories. We’d raise the flag for him and every other soldier who fought for country and principle.
While there are precious few places where such heartfelt and authentic celebrations of our heroes and displays of civic honor still resonate, I was lucky enough to catch the parade and rodeo during Chief Joseph Days a couple years back, and was reminded how easy it is to become detached from the common struggle and the attendant simple virtues that we presumably hold dear. It was life affirming. I highly recommend the experience.
I definitely plan to return to Joseph, but I know there are similar strongholds dotting the state. Not surprisingly, they are also often the places where wrestling is strong. In striving to save this great sport at Oregon I sometimes feel like I’m carrying their colors, fighting for the heartland, future generations and principle. I also find that embarrassingly presumptuous to admit, and I apologize to anyone who feels this at all detracts from proper focus and celebration of Memorial Day.
To the faithful defenders. Peace.