In Flanders Fields...

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." --John F. Kennedy

Each Memorial Day weekend, for more than ten years, we've traveled to Northern Wisconsin to visit my Gram. Each year, the time we spend with her is more and more precious. While we're up there, we try to go to the cemetery to visit the graves of my Grandpa (Papa) and Uncle, as well as other family members. It's always a sobering sight, because, being Memorial Day Weekend the local Boy and Girl Scouts typically place flags at the graves of all who have served their country.

Someone once asked if I would be upset if one of my boys wants to join the military when they are of age. Certainly, my mother's heart would be terrified. But upset? No. I would be proud if they choose to serve their country in such an honorable way.

I'm very open about growing up in a military family. While we are especially blessed that my father never had to serve in a combat zone, I nonetheless am extremely proud that my parents raised me to respect military men and women. I'm proud to be an American, proud of our military and our soldiers who serve, and deeply humbled that so many have given their lives to defend our way of life.

And so today, the Diva Family honors and thanks our fallen heroes. Rest in peace, loyal soldiers.

"Memorial Day"

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace...Who brought a sword.

--Joyce Kilmer

These Are My People

As far as labels go, I'm a big fan. They keep things straight in my head. Not to mention it makes simple tasks like telling the difference between salt and sugar a much easier process.

As far as people go, I'm on the fence. I love my labels of "mom" and "wife". It thrills me to say that I have two "sons". And to me it's simply nothing more than a fact of genetics and birthplace that Diva Husband is "Mexican".

Over the past few years, and perhaps especially over the past several months, political labels have become a big deal. People make a huge thing over being "Conservative", "Liberal", "Democrat", "Republican", "Independent", "Socialist", "Libertarian"...

You get the idea.

While I'm not looking for a political discussion, I've made no excuses for the fact that my own views tend to run "Moderately Conservative". I vote on both sides of the ticket during the primary elections, but register as a "Republican", only because I have to declare a party affiliation, and frankly, that's where most of the candidates I support are listed. I respect the office of the President of the United States, but don't really care for many of his political stances.

I think the whole Tea Party Movement is fascinating and agree with much of what they are saying. Personally, Sarah Palin drives me batty. Her "cutesy" style of delivery seems unprofessional to me and it really makes me crazy to listen to her speak at these functions.

Recently, many polls have assigned labels to self-proclaimed members of the Tea Party Movement. White men, 45 and older, well-educated, etc.

Basically, they're saying it's an "old-boys club" and implying that certain races, genders, economic classes, etc. are being excluded. Having not attended any rallies myself, I can't speak for who participates or considers themselves members of the "Tea Party". As evidenced by this NBC interview excerpt, however, those labels may not be as accurate as the pollsters want us to think.

Nice try, NBC, but clearly there are Americans who resist the labeling.

Senator Mickey Mouse?

Today is the Primary Election in our fair state. Even if you're not familiar with much in our fair state, you probably have heard of our former Governor. He's made more than a few media appearances in the last year or so. His wife appeared on the show "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here", when prosecutors banned his own appearance. Recent rumblings have been made that he may show up next on Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice".

Our senators have been making news as well. The current lame duck Senator was appointed by the previously aforementioned Governor. HIS predecessor moved on to a different job.

Confused yet? Don't worry, residents of our fair state are just as confused. Today's election turnout is expected to be low, with perhaps 25% of voters casting their ballots.

Lest you think this is turning into a political post, let me reassure you.

I went to vote this morning and took The Manimal with me. He was unusually quiet, taking everything in. Our precinct location isn't completely new to him, as it's in our neighborhood clubhouse. I guess the "election decor" of voting booths and registration tables really threw him, though.

He wanted to know what we were doing, and I told him that I was going to vote. Then he wanted to know what "vote" meant. I told him it meant choosing something or someone.

He wanted to see what I was doing, so I showed him my ballot and ballpoint pen (we're a pretty low-tech site). Then I let him carry my ballot over to the box, where he (with surprising care) slid it into the reader.

As I was helping him with his gloves, he looked up and said, "Mommy, is this Disney World?"

Hmm...maybe the carnival of Illinois politics isn't beyond the scope of a four year-old after all!