Cristin McCarthy Vahey

For many years, I have marked Memorial Day like many of you, with neighborhood gatherings, barbecues and sometimes a visit to the beach. As a town leader, I have also commemorated Memorial Day with my fellow elected leaders, Scout troops, American Legion members and many veterans. From the Sea Ceremony, to our annual parade and multiple town traditions, I have had the opportunity, along with my family, to remember those we have lost. This year will be different.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was first celebrated after the Civil War, to honor the Civil War dead. On that first Decoration Day, May 30, 1868, 5,000 people gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to decorate the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers.

Over the years, as Decoration Day became Memorial Day, it came to include American military personnel who perished in all wars. Sometime we confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day, which is a day to honor all Veterans, living and dead. This weekend we honor and remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

I come from a military family. My husband, my father, my grandfathers all served in the Armed Forces. My Great-Great Grandfather was left for dead at the Battle of Gettysburg and my father, a Vietnam Veteran, was there when I was born. Fortunately for me, they all returned home safely. Not all of our military families can say the same.

This weekend, as you begin to go back into the market place, enjoy some outdoor dining, and maybe visit the beach, please continue to practice safe social distancing. Wear a mask when out in public, stay six feet apart, practice safe hand and face hygiene and perhaps hardest of all, don’t gather in groups larger than five people. If you head to the beach, check parking capacity first and make sure you stay 15 feet from other groups. And since we can’t gather as a community to remember our fallen sailors, soldiers, marines and airmen and women, consider other ways to honor those who have died. This Hartford Courant article offers some suggestions.

Wishing all of you a weekend of restoration and renewal.