when? Astronomically it would be the June Solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere), so, around June 21st. (Which is the Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. You get the picture. If not, I could recommend a retired Geography Prof to help. I have her name around here somewhere. Oh! Me!)
But we Americans don't hold with no science stuff. So for most of us, the start of summer is the Memorial Day weekend. So, right about now.
Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, as it used to be called, was created to honor the nation's military service.
http://www.usmemorialday.org/...
And especially to express appreciation for those who died in its service. And, by extension, all veterans.
But somewhere along the line, between the end of the Civil War and the Now,
Memorial Day, née Decoration Day, became a Weekend, not just a Day; the kick-off to American Summer: barbecues, three-day sales, traffic jams, and general outdoor mayhem. And some cultural confusion.
So we have:
But also this:
Guilt:
And much-needed release after a very weird winter:
Travel headaches:
But a chance to save some dough:
Say adios to the office for a bit:
But take a moment to reflect
and, since we are Americans, eat and party
And save more money AND eat:
But, finally, there is the mash-up of images, intentions, memories, and purpose. And two questions for now:
Is Memorial Day the real start of Summer?
And what is Memorial Day anyway?
A parade?
Super Patriotism?
(Although we celebrate "America" in stealthily global ways. . .)
Or something else we are still struggling to define?
What do we think here at Daily Kos, at the start of Memorial Day Weekend, 2014?