Last weekend, in observance of Memorial Day, we commemorated those who fought to safeguard our Democracy. We remembered those who died to ensure that we could continue striving towards what remains for some an elusive “more perfect union,” a national where all people can enjoy the “right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

For some the day was spent picnicking, playing, watching sports, attending parades, or perhaps just trying to relax. My plan was to take a long run, move the tomato plants outside and enjoy a good book. 

Our history is marked by battles both foreign and domestic. Foreign wars have been fought, for the most part, abroad rather than on American soil. Since 1865 at the Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia, domestic strife has been handled (with limited exception) through electoral and legislative processes rather than by taking up arms against ourselves. 

As I went to post a light hearted, pithy blog I wrote several weeks ago, I stopped. It didn’t seem congruent with my state of mind or with the state of the union on this Memorial Day weekend.  I remembered the lyrics of Bob Dylan and can’t but help feel we are at a crossroads … “the times they are a-changin.”