I feel the same way about cemeteries and graveyards as I do about memorials. It seems so sad that a block of stone or a chunk of metal may be all that is left to remember someone or their deeds by and yet, someone thought enough of them to erect something to remember them by. And I wonder, who were they? What did they accomplish? What were their lives like? How did they die? And, finally, how will I be remembered?
Memorials seem to mean more in the hazy light of dusk or the dim light of dawn. I remember visiting the memorial for the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki in early evening. I was in awe of what the martyrs had done and it's easy enough to say,
"Oh, I would have done the same thing." But there is no way to know that for sure and I pray I am never tested in such a way. It was incredibly peaceful and quiet. The tourists were gone for the day. I remember sitting in front of the memorial with a couple of classmates. We had slipped away in our free time and, on a whim, had made for the memorial. Our whole class was to visit the next day but we wanted to go right then and I'm so glad we did. When we went back the next day, the reflective spell had been broken, the light too bright, the people too noisy.
My time in London was short and I passed by most of the memorials on my way somewhere else like the Churchill War Rooms and the National Gallery, where the few are immortalized, pausing only to snap a photo and wonder very briefly about the many being remembered in a broader way. I want to go back to London someday and spend my early evenings, wandering some of the memorials. As the light dims, I want to run my fingers over the names of places from whence came brave and scared men and women and remember them.
This year, the last known WWI veteran died in England. The Great War was to be the last war yet we are still fighting. We have yet to learn from history, yet to learn from our mistakes. Sometimes I wonder, have we forgotten? Have our memorials become so much scenery? It is too easy to pass by on our way somewhere else and not remember.Election Day is tomorrow and Veterans/Armistice Day is in a week. I may not always have the highest regard for those in charge of our country or those who want to be in charge and I am certainly glad I do not have to fight for my country. But others have fought for my freedom, men and women, and it is only right that I take a little time out of my day to remember them and utilize the rights I've been given.
So, today, I voted. And I think, next week, when the light is dimming, you'll find me up at Washington Park, walking one of the memorials, running my fingers over names of those who are gone but not forgotten. They never will be forgotten if we will only take the time to remember.
