Memorial Day
Reflections by a Younger Self
In the early 2000s I created a blog titled “What I Saw in America” that in many ways started it all for me. It’s where I rehearsed many of the arguments that eventually appeared in my 2018 book, Why Liberalism Failed, and developed many of the ideas that have since appeared in talks, lectures, and chapters in subsequent years.
This morning, I had a vague recollection of having written about Memorial Day on that site, and after a bit of searching, found what I wrote there. I’m not sure I would write this in exactly the same way today, but I agree enough with my younger self to post it at this newer site for our readers here.
May 25, 2009
Today is a day of remembrance for those who have died in the service of their nation. We attend parades, memorials, cemeteries and ceremonies to honor their sacrifice. Some - such as my son and I, yesterday - ride motorcycles through our capital city especially to recall those who may still be missing or captured. And, many of us will enjoy a weekend that marks the beginning of summer, with festivities ranging from barbecues to beaches to boats, almost all gatherings allowing us time to enjoy friends and family.