DEAR ABBY: When I asked a group of schoolchildren what Memorial Day meant to them, they replied, “That’s the day the pools open!” Too many older Americans would have similar responses. There can be no argument that we, as a nation, need to refresh our memories and put “memorial” back into Memorial Day.
We must never forget who we are memorializing and inform each coming generation that since the birth of our nation, more than 1 million men and women have died to ensure our freedom.
I ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress to recognize, honor and memorialize all those who have given their lives in service to our country throughout our history. They were someone’s father, mother, son, daughter, sister, brother, other relative or friend. Their families are also casualties of war, for their loss is the most enduring sacrifice.
Abby, please urge our fellow Americans to live honoring America’s fallen. As long as they are remembered they are never gone. – CARMELLA LA SPADA, DIRECTOR, WHITE HOUSE COMMISSION ON REMEMBRANCE
DEAR CARMELLA: Thank you for your timely and heartfelt letter. I’m pleased to pass along your message. Readers, wherever you may be tomorrow on Memorial Day – even if it’s the swimming pool – please take a moment and pause at 3 p.m. (local time) and think about those who died to preserve our liberties. Do something for your country in their blessed memory, even if it is only taking a moment to appreciate their courage and sacrifice for us.
DEAR ABBY: I am in eighth grade. A boy came to our middle school last January, and I have liked him ever since. I don’t know him that well, but I would love to. He’s tall and cute, the kind of guy I really like. He is also sweet and very funny.
He dated one of my friends for three weeks. After they broke up he started liking me, but I was hesitant because of what my friend would think. She wasn’t a close friend, but I later found out she was furious. Obviously, she thought they might get back together, and I had interfered.
I flirted with him for a few weeks and hung out. We kissed a few times, and he would walk me to my bus. He gave me a lot of attention, and I loved it. Many of my friends said I was “bogus” or wrong for liking him. They wore me down, so I told him I couldn’t date him.
Now he is flirting with other girls, just to “show me.” I feel like I missed out on a great guy because of what other people thought. He barely speaks to me now, and when he does (which isn’t often), it’s not the most reassuring comment.
Please give me some words of wisdom on the situation. I don’t want to seem desperate or needy, but I’m not sure how to tell him I’d love to date him, even if my friends hated me for it. – LOVESICK IN ILLINOIS
DEAR LOVESICK: It is not desperate or needy to tell someone that you made a mistake and that you regret it. It’s called being honest. There is no guarantee that this will “get him back,” but if his feelings for you were as strong as yours are for him, it might work. It’s worth a try.
P.S. Think positive! But if he has already moved on, you have learned a valuable lesson. In the future, I’ll bet you no longer allow others to dictate whom you should or shouldn’t care for.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $6 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)
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