By 1808Delaware Owner/Publisher Thomas Palmer
This is the second in my series of posts written from Europe.
I find myself writing this on Memorial Day Eve, a holiday which is not commemorated over here but which has been a part of my life since I found myself walking with my fellow Cub Scouts in the annual parade along the streets of Galion, on our way to speeches, music, and more at Fairview Cemetery.
I come from a family with a large number of service members, including one of my grandfathers, my father, brothers, nephews, cousins, and nieces. Some of them did lose their lives, such as my great great grandfather Joshua Hodge, a private in the Union army from Wisconsin who died during the Civil War. Recognizing their service has always been a part of my makeup.
Last week I was in Paris, a place where World War 2 is remembered by some who were actually alive when it took place. The scars of war are still visible and monuments abound.
This week, I am writing from London, England. I traversed the English Channel by ferry, and was able to see some of the D-Day beaches with my own eyes. I have at least one family member who was a part of that heroic operation, and I had the privilege once of listening to him explain his experiences, where he was and when, with a set of detailed maps as I sat at his kitchen table. My father’s first cousin John was a true hero.
England is a noisy place right now. The newspapers here are bulging with news of the difficult position of the current prime minister, as well as the persistent and convoluted jockeying among his potential replacements. If you thought that the American political scene was dynamic, the one here is absolutely monopolizing public media.
You may not be aware of this, but this country is currently experiencing record breaking heat. Even at 9:00 p.m. at night, the temperature is almost 80 degrees. The high tomorrow (Monday) in London is predicted to be 93 degrees.
Because of this, one leaves early in the morning to do trips related to tourism or shopping, and then takes refuge in hotel rooms in the late afternoon unless one is lucky enough to find oneself in air conditioning somewhere. On a related note, I will mention that the London Underground, while a phenomenally easy-to-use system, can be unbelievably hot and muggy when this takes place. On my way home from Piccadilly today, a kind young lady actually relinquished her seat when she saw my obvious distress.
My family back in Ohio will be commemorating Memorial Day tomorrow as we always do. The graves of family members are decorated with flowers and flags, and words of remembrance will be shared. All the best to you and your families!
