The Harry Potter Alliance

In Memoriam

“One lives in the hope of becoming a memory.”~Antonio Porchia

Traditionally, Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have died in the service of our country. A time to reflect on what and who we have lost–and how we came to lose them. It is a day on which we take time to remember how far we have come, the victories and mistakes that brought us here, and the unconscionable cost of it all.

Yet, it seems to me that for all the need to remember those now gone, we sometimes forget to look about us and remember those who are even now giving their lives to make this country what it is. I do not speak only of soldiers, though of course I include them. But there are many, many ways to serve this country and our future–and all of them deserve remembrance: the mothers and fathers who have care of the next generations, the authors and artists and players and musicians who make our lives shine brighter, and remind us who we are from time to time; and also the teachers, librarians, nurses, police, doctors and government workers; the bus drivers and trash collectors who, each in their own ways, help to keep our planet clean; the farmers who grow our food, the very cleaners of public places–those most underrated and ignored of all hard workers–who nevertheless make our every day more beautiful and bearable. All these and many, many more give their years and lives to a greater good of which they themselves are often unaware.

Few, if any, of these people will ever be decked with medals for their bravery or honor. Few will be remembered at all for their patient toil–which took their whole lives. There will be no parades to honor them when they are gone, no Presidential speeches to reconcile us to their loss. Yet, should we value them the less for that? I think not. Their work, though often humble and inglorious, is done patiently, constantly, and proudly, without hope of reward or recognition. Then too, remember that those who died in war, died so that future lives would carry weight; and thus, so these self-same honest workers could continue on, unhindered, to make the future hopeful with their work.

So let today be for the dead. Remember each and every deed and soul, and why they were lost. But let tomorrow be for the living, and all the days that follow. When you walk down the streets, spare a smile for the street sweeper, or the old man planting flowers to make tomorrow bright. When you reach your school or office, hold the door for the cleaning lady, and ask her how she is. Send a note to your favorite teacher, telling them how they changed your life, even, and most especially, if you haven’t seen them for years. Thank the bus driver who takes you home, and the postman who brings that much hoped-for parcel.

So as we stand on the evening of remembrance, I would wish you three things for the future: Remember those who are gone, respect those that are living, and most importantly, today and everyday, remember that you–you personally–whatever your calling or profession, are part of this.

Be kind to yourself, for you are the future.