The Separation
Once again the sound of footsteps were close by. "Francis..where did you go?"... That was Eric, Francis was glad that one of the brothers was close by because for as fast as it all happened, this trip in the field was causing alot of delay in their walk to school. "I'm right here Eric, where's Keith?" Eric was close enough now to be seen. "He was right in front of me." "I don't know, he must have missed you and went right on by..KEITH!" The air was still cold enough so that any breathing added to the thickness of the mist. When you shouted, a large growing plume of condensed breath could be seen to push and blend with the surrounding fog. While both Francis and Eric had reconnected in the mist, in the field that was supposed to be a morning short-cut, they still had to gather up Keith, and get along with their walk. What was supposed to be a short mornig excursion, had turned out to be a pain in the neck. Without figuring out exactly what had happened in the mist so far, Francis and Eric looked to call out to Keith until the three of them were together again.
The Battle of Napoleon's Field"Keeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiith." "Keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeith." Over and over the called went out the the missing member of this small troupe. The mist was still coming in it appeared, as even though Eric and Francis were only steps apart, if one more step were put in between the two friends, the other would slip away into the fog. "Eric...." Francis wanted to stop. "Let's stay here for a second and listen for him." "Keith!!" The two sat as still as they could. As if the more frozen they became, the etter chance of hearing Keith's call back to them. 10, 15, then 30 seconds extended into a minute and beyond. Standing still allowed for Eric and Francis to absorb what was happening to them in an otherwise friendly landscape. The idea that one of the three had just disappeared into the fog after Francis was taken far away without moving, in an instant he was gone, and now he feared that what may have happened to Keith was a fate even worse than a transformation of position. "Francis, I'm starting to think something bad is happening." While his voice was sure, Francis could tell that the Younger Lang brother was unable to understand what was happening to himself and his friends. "Let's just find Keith, and we can laugh about it later." Keeeeeeeeeeeeeeith!" Francis let out a long shout of voice and fog from the deepest parts of his lungs. As the least puff of air was extinguished and another fresh breath taken as a replacement, Francis felt a sudden urge to run. Run like he never ran before. Using his feet and arms to cut through the fog which obvisously had it in for these three young New England boys on a crisp Autum morning in October. The longer it took to get back to where they began, Francis feared they would be farther away from where they wanted to be. But before the next loud call to Keith, his close friend now lost, a loud explosion was heard just a few hundred feet from where two friends stood wanting to find the lost member of the group.
Lt. Lafleur, French Captain of the Gaurd
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. This is a great time to honor our veterans and famous Americans by visiting the monuments in Washington, DC. The Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of the busy summer season and the Washington, DC region celebrates with family friendly events and special services. Here is the 2008 Memorial Day event schedule:
PBS' National Memorial Day Concert
Sunday, May 25, 2008, 8 p.m.
PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna, Gary Sinise, and Charles Durning, and other guest artists (to be announced), along with conductor Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony Orchestra.See Photos of the performers in the 2007 concert. Photos for 2008 will be posted when available.
National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 26, 2008, beginning at 2 p.m.
The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states, will begin at 5th and Constitution Avenue. The Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. See Photos of the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC.
Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
Sunday, May 25, 2008. Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues. See Photos of Rolling Thunder
GI Film Festival
May 14-18, 2008. In its 2nd year, the festival will be held prior to Memorial Day weekend. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.
Arlington National Cemetery
Monday, May 26, 2008, 11 a.m.
A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.See Photos of Arlington National Cemetery.
Navy Memorial
Saturday, May 24, 2008. 11 a.m. Rolling Thunder visits the Navy Memorial and holds a wreath-laying ceremony.
Monday, May 26, 2008, 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. wreath-laying ceremonies; 12:30 p.m. Navy Band concert; 2:00 p.m. Film screening of a PBS documentary about the last reunion of Air Group 16 at the dedication of the WWII Memorial.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Monday, May 26, 2008, 1:00 p.m.
This year's annual Memorial Day ceremony includes Presentation of the Colors, remarks by a special guest and wreath-laying service.
Hometown Holidays
May 24-26, 2008.
The city of Rockville’s Memorial Day event is a three-day street festival with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more.
Wolf Trap Farm Park
Sunday, May 25, 2008, 8:00 p.m.
The park for performing arts kicks off the summer season with a free performance by the U.S. Marine Band followed by fireworks.
Fort Ward Park, Alexandria, Virginia
Monday, May 26, 2008, 1-7 p.m. The annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival features big band, swing, and contemporary jazz music. Picnics are allowed and food and beverages will also be for sale.
