The Adventures of Harley and Harper

Harper left her room carrying a full backpack and followed Harley into his room mid-sentence, “And that means that we have less than three full days of school when we get back!”

“I know!” Harley concurred, nodding emphatically to his sister’s excited statement of their remaining school time before summer break. It was the eve of Memorial Day weekend and the twins and their parents were going to join the rest of their aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents at the family cabin for the long weekend.

“Do you think the rope swing will be up yet?” Harper asked.

“I don’t know, last year it wasn’t until the 4th of July.” Harley began to pack his bag with the items that Mom had suggested.

“Well, we will still be going to swimming. Maybe we can see if Dad can get some new floats?”

The twins continued to discuss the known plans for the next few days, looking forward to all the food, fun, and family time.

Dad poked his head in to check on their packing progress. “Are you two about ready? I’d like to get going in about thirty minutes.”

“Yes.” The twins answered in unison.

Mom came around the corner and said, “Hey, can you two please pack a nice outfit for the service on Monday?”

“What service?” Harley and Harper spoke in unison again.

“The town where the family cabin is hosting its first Memorial Day service at the town square. Apparently, the town is finally large enough and they are very excited to make this service happen and have done something special with dozens of flags.”

“On Monday?” Harper asked, reviewing the previously planned weekend itinerary in her head, “I thought we are going out on the boat on Monday?”

“I am sure we still will be; it is a sunrise service. It is going to be beautiful with the sunrise and the instruments playing.”

“Sunrise?” Harley couldn’t help his face show his disappointment, “So no sleeping in?”

Mom looked at each of the twins and crossed her arms, “I am a little surprised with both of your priorities. Don’t you know what Memorial Day is about?”

“Yeah, spending time with family at the cabin.” Harper crossed her arms.

“And a long weekend.” Harley added.

Mom sighed and Dad stepped in, “I know that you learned about this day at school, and I am little upset that you don’t remember when we talked about it previously.”

The twins each thought back but were having trouble. There were so many fun things that happened on this day in the past, that the true meaning was escaping them.

“Memorial Day is set aside as a time that we honor those who have given their lives for our country. Whether that be hundreds of years ago or recently, the day is meant for them.”

“Oh…” It was coming back to them now and Harper asked, “So why have we always gone to the lake with the family? I thought it was a long weekend to be together…”

“The three-day weekend is a nice benefit yes, and typically Memorial Day also signifies the start of summer, but it has always been meant to remember the fallen. Remember how we go out together on that Monday and lower the flag to half-staff before boating?”

“Yeah, and Grandma has us wear something with the American flag on it.”

“That’s right. In the past, those were things we did to honor the soldiers. But now, the town has an even grander way of paying respects.”

“Like everyone in the town will wear American flags?”

“Something like that, we will see at the service.”

Harper took a moment and then asked quietly, “Mom, Dad, do either of you know a soldier who has died?”

Dad grew serious, “Yes, Harper. A buddy of mine that I grew up with passed away in Iraq.”

Mom put an arm around Dad, “One of my uncles fought in Vietnam and did not make it back.”

Harley walked to his sister and put his arm her, “Can we wear our American flag pins to honor both of them on Monday?”

Mom and Dad smiled, “Of course you can. We will honor their memory and say our thanks to the many others who gave their lives so we can be free.”