A Little Light Amidst New York's Dark Dreary Memorial Day Weekend

It's a cold dreary Memorial Day Weekend here in the New York Metro area. In fact, if memory serves, I can't remember a colder, rainier, drearier Memorial Holiday weekend in my short span of years on this earth. As our Lithuanian piano teacher of happy memory used to wistfully say: "O vell."

While most of us might prefer a brighter, warmer kick off to this unofficial start of summer, it's not to be. Here are a few thoughts to help us make the best of it.

First, and foremost, if we're not so distracted by beaches and barbecues, maybe it helps us remember those whom Memorial Day honors. Remember them? They made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, from the War for Independence through the Civil War, the World Wars, up to our recent military entanglements scattered about the world, men and women have given their lives to defend our country from those who wish us ill. And let's not forget those who have suffered and must live with serious permanent injuries as a result of their military service. All these deserve our attention and our prayers. Take advantage of the down time that this dreary weather provides.

On a lighter note, dreary weather or not, it's graduation time around the country. Some schools have apparently decided to hold something like a "normal" graduation - one with live attendees, in some way shape or form. So if you're attending one of these, I hope it's somewhat user-friendly (minimize or eliminate masks and distancing?). If so, you'll like be able to bask in the glory of the occasion as they - ideally - play the traditional graduation march.

And finally, an even lighter note about pop music - specifically those songs in what has been labeled "The Great American Songbook." These are songs written in the 20th century, beginning roughly in the early part of the century, extending to the 1960s or so. Many were debuted in Broadway Musicals, but others were just written for popular consumption. If you're a fan - as am I - you know that these are quintessential American songs. And while they're not the reason folks went to war, they've certainly become part of the fabric of what people the world over consider "American" in the best sense of the word.

So to cap off these Memorial Day weekend thoughts, here's a favorite song - a composition by the great Irving Berlin - performed by two of our greatest popular artists, Louie "Sachmo" Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. They recorded a series of songs together, and everyone makes my list of "greatest" performances of The American Song Book. If you've never heard their work, and have a few minutes during the holiday, check them out. For now, check out this:

This Memorial Day, do remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us all.  And I hope these lighter notes have caused a few rays of sacred Light to penetrate our holiday and what may be for you a gray and rainy day.