Happy Memorial Day!

I hope everyone is having a great memorial day. I know I posted about it before, but this day is a truly special one in the United States. Many think of it as merely an extended weekend in which to have barbecue with friends, but I would hope that many more know its true significance. 

Memorial Day is a national holiday in the US, and is designated as such so that we may honor those who have fought for our freedom and way of life for hundreds of years. We honor the valiant and noble young men and women who have donned the uniforms of our armed forces from every generation and every war - from the Revolutionary War to the present day wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, and our souls fill with pride and honor as we remember the great ones who have preceded us in fighting for such a magnificent dream. America is and should always remain a land of hope, freedom, justice, honor, and courage. 

It is such a simple thing in comparison to all that they have done - to honor their service on one day of the year. To wear the red, white, and blue. To wave a little flag. To salute the fallen, and to thank those active duty military members today. 

Today I helped coordinate the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. I think it was a marvelous success. All of the branches of the military were honored with bands, flags, musical numbers, honored guests, dignitaries and thousands of Washingtonians, Brazilians, Belgians, Kuwaitis, and many other nationalities. I wish you all could have been there, but I'm hopeful that you had your own parade or traditional celebration of some kind in your own hometown. God Bless you, America, and the Troops, both fallen and those still with us.

Tribalism: Does Obama mean to dissolve the Indian Tribes?

During Obama's inauguration speech on tuesday he said, "the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve." While this line perhaps flowed nicely with the topic of unity, it struck a chord with certain Amerindian tribes in North America. The Pogotopin tribe of New Jersey was one of the more concerned. Chief Joseph Forbin had this to say:

"I am worried about this Obama. First the white man comes and takes our lands and leaves us on this reservation, now black man says he's gonna dissolve our tribe. Nothing seems to change."

The Pogotopin tribe was not alone in their concern. Tribes from New England to the Southwest are wary. Some of the security guards at the famous resort and casino in Connecticut, Foxwoods, have been armed with anti-aircraft missile launchers and grenades. Navajo shepherds in Arizona are also packing heat and even strapping explosive vests and weapons on some of their animals.

"We are gonna be ready for them when they come. We are practicing ambush tactics like our ancestors did in the 19th century. I'm excited about the prospect of using some of the old tomahawks and slings. My wife has been making jewelry and chaps for all the boys," said Todd Gunter, member of the Bonahoshi tribe in New Mexico.

While many tribes see conflict as inevitable, some see hope. Lilla Magshoot, also of the Bonahoshi tribe, had this to say:

"I visit the petroglyphs and old paintings by the edge of our village every day. They show a time in the near future when there will be inner peace in the midst of great physical affliction. While I think Obama's going to take us out, I believe we will be strong."