So today was an absolutely perfect day. Weather high 70's. Perfect clarity. So I'm putting on photos I took of a memorial day service at Arlington (that's the Mount Healthy one, not the Virginia one, but every bit as beautiful and probably bigger!) cemetary. The Finneytown band was asked to play there. They played the national anthem and a medley of all the military branches, with any veteran standing when their branch's song began.
Speeches were given by several WWII and Korean vets. One of them left a hand and a few fingers in Europe. They all left behind comrades and returned with the disturbing loss of innocence that is the aftermath of war.

There is a reason they call them the Greatest Generation. These are the people who are in their 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's now. The parents of the Boomers. As a generation they were almost singular in purpose and unity. They had their demons, and they had their blessings. The ethos, courage, morals, stamina, acumen, faith, identity, enthusiasm, innovativeness, and above all sense of purpose of that generation are most likely unparalleled in world history.

Next you will see Nathanael receiving award after award at, aptly titled, Awards Night. 7 in all. MMM, good job and adds more meat to the college apps. Superb, son. Superb.

We also went to see my brother Dan and his wife Tracy. Dave brought Erin, Leah, Sierra, and Hayden. We had Crowduck fish and waffle fries. Unfortunately for my parents, they are in Scandinavia at the moment, well then again, it's NOT unfortunate; I'm sure they are feasting on tasty Norwegian salmon or soaking up the heat of a Finnish sauna.

Not all news is good today. I'm not at liberty to disclose the bad right now; it will be known soon enough. So, I'm very sad for some people in my life, and my heart is breaking right now for them.