This is adapted from a Facebook post this morning by the Democratic congresswoman from Dearborn, who shares daily reflections on her personal page.
By Debbie Dingell
If this were a normal Memorial Day, I would already be getting up and heading out to Ypsilanti, where the community gathers to remember those who served and died. The parade would end up at the bridge, where flowers would be placed in the water in honor of their memories.
I would then race to Dearborn for what has always been one of the largest parades in the state. I saw so many friends, visited with men and women who served. After marching I would watch it with the mayor and other community leaders and then participate in a memorial service.
Debbie Dingell and her hunsband John, who died at 92 in February 2019. (Photos: Facebook)
Riverview, Wyandotte, Flat Rock, Belleville had parades and memorials as well, and I would visit VFWs, American Legion Halls, pig roasts. They were days of honoring, remembering, stories, friends and lives lived.
This Memorial Day we celebrate in different ways, but it is important to remember the patriots from every generation who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and our freedom. Their courageous service and sacrifice has ensured from the birth of our nation that America will always be the land of the free and the home of the brave.
As we remember the fallen veterans and their families, this weekend has also been one of prayer for the deaths of nearly 100,000 Americans from Covid-19. Michigan alone has witnessed the loss of 5,223 people. These times don’t allow us the normal mourning rituals or allow us to grieve with families and friends.
Living during the Covid-19 pandemic has changed so much of how we function, including how we care for the sick, how we care for the dying, and how we care for the bereaved -- with our sense of control challenged at all levels. Routines and rituals that normally bring comfort aren't there.
When someone you love dies, you experience a range of emotions, including sadness, loss, anxiety, loneliness, regret, even anger and guilt. These emotions are so intense right now for those who have lost someone.
Leadership of our country of both parties recognized this. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote President Trump: "Respectful of them and the loss to our country, we are writing to request that you order flags to be flown at half staff on all public buildings in our country on the sad day of reckoning when we reach 100,000 deaths. It would serve as a national expression of grief so needed by everyone in our country."
And on Thursday of this past week, President Trump declared: "Our nation mourns for every life lost to the coronavirus pandemic, and we share in the suffering of all those who endured pain and illness from the outbreak. ... Through our grief, America stands steadfast and united against the invisible enemy. May God be with the victims of this pandemic and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends." (Yes, we had bipartisan agreement between our leadership.)
This Memorial Day is one of remembrance of so many. I miss John. Under other circumstances, I would have visited him at Arlington National Ceremony before leaving for Michigan after votes the Friday before Memorial Day, and am most grateful to the soldiers who placed a flag at his grave. I would bring him flowers. I promised myself and him I would always come this weekend. I really miss him right now, but I share that grief with many.
We remember the soldiers who loved America and gave their life for us to keep America free. And so many we know lost during this pandemic. Covid has taken almost 40 people I knew, loved, worked with, cared about community with. So today let's remember all that have died of Covid.
And God bless you and the United States of America.
