Memorial Day, Some Observations

50 years ago we "Observed" memorial day, it wasn't something to "celebrate".
There were no fireworks, there were no sirens, the fire trucks in the parades only tolled there bells.

It was a solemn day. Not so much now. Yes there are memorials and minutes of silence, but there is still a celebratory atmosphere, connected to the 3 day holiday.

Perhaps the passing of the WWII generation has had that effect. I
remember well my dad and others standing in front of the plaque with the names of those who didn't come home, they knew them all when in school. Every town, no matter how small, lost people in that war.

I wonder if things have changed much elsewhere.