Keller @ Large: Make The Effort To Observe Memorial Day
BOSTON (CBS) -- If you are anywhere near Boston Common and want to experience the true meaning of today's holiday, stop by and take in the sight of 37,000 flags posted by the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, one for every man and woman from Massachusetts killed in battles since the American Revolution.
It is a moving sight, or should be. If your kids think it's ancient history, you might point out to them that 219 of the flags represent local people killed since 9/11.
If it's hard for you to make it downtown today, I urge you to seek out a nearby parade or other Memorial Day commemoration, so the reason we pause from our work today won't be lost in the shuffle of fun in the sun.
No matter what your opinion of the wars we've fought, remembering the human toll of it and honoring their sacrifice seems worth the effort.
The problem is, it might take more effort than it should.
According to the state tourism website, only 48 of our 351 cities and towns are holding parades today, and while those are not the only way communities remember their dead, they are a bellwether of declining interest.
The Patriot Ledger reported recently that some Quincy veterans have been "reluctant" to march in that city's parade because of "shrinking crowds lining the parade route." Says the city official who looks after veterans' graves: "When you're marching down the street and there's no one there, it's very discouraging for the veterans."
We can do better than this.
Quincy's parade to the Mount Wollaston Cemetery starts at 10:30 a.m. at 100 Quincy Ave.
A bigger turnout - or, if you miss it, a trip to Boston Common – is the least you can do for the people who've risked it all for their country.
Listen To Jon's Commentary:
You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.
