Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Why We Don’t Celebrate Memorial Day Today
It’s the tourism industry.
At least that’s what I heard after my congressman, Robert C. McClory, passed the three-day holiday bill.
(McClory was the man I unsuccessfully challenged for Congress in 1980. He won Lake and Kane Counties in the primary; I won McHenry. He blinked re-apportionment year, when he was put in the same district as Congressman John Porter.)
That probably is the most significant bill that McClory sponsored.
And, before you yawn, how many congressmen have done something as significant to your life as changing the calendar.
There were traditionalists like me in the General Assembly that refused to change the state’s Memorial Holiday date to conform to this congressional action, but eventually, the legislature caved in.
At least that’s what I heard after my congressman, Robert C. McClory, passed the three-day holiday bill.
(McClory was the man I unsuccessfully challenged for Congress in 1980. He won Lake and Kane Counties in the primary; I won McHenry. He blinked re-apportionment year, when he was put in the same district as Congressman John Porter.)
That probably is the most significant bill that McClory sponsored.
And, before you yawn, how many congressmen have done something as significant to your life as changing the calendar.
There were traditionalists like me in the General Assembly that refused to change the state’s Memorial Holiday date to conform to this congressional action, but eventually, the legislature caved in.
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Cal -
For once, I am not sure I agree. The three day weekend may have been the brain child of tourism...but try to move it back. Populism wins out here.
A three day weekend that heralds the start of summer, although not officially by the calander. Parades, picnics, family, friends, Jim Nabors signing Back Home in Indiana....and remembering those who have given so much for our freedom, some with the ultimate sacrifice...
Nope, not going to go back..it's the perfect start to America's summer....
For once, I am not sure I agree. The three day weekend may have been the brain child of tourism...but try to move it back. Populism wins out here.
A three day weekend that heralds the start of summer, although not officially by the calander. Parades, picnics, family, friends, Jim Nabors signing Back Home in Indiana....and remembering those who have given so much for our freedom, some with the ultimate sacrifice...
Nope, not going to go back..it's the perfect start to America's summer....
Not just that, but most holidays are arbitrary dates (especially secular holidays): if it's "May 31" or "last Monday in May," isn't the meaning the same?
As far as three-day-weekends are concerned, I'm sure there are huge benefits outside of the tourism industry. AND the benefit to families: having a three-day-in-a-row break from the daily grind.
As far as three-day-weekends are concerned, I'm sure there are huge benefits outside of the tourism industry. AND the benefit to families: having a three-day-in-a-row break from the daily grind.
Hey Rusrus - did you and I actually agree on something.....If so, Cal needs to delete this part of his blog immediately!
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