It seems unlikely at first, especially for those of us who grew up with strong Anabaptist influences.
My grandparents were and are many things: resourceful, thrifty, hospitable, humble.
What they aren’t: loud, flashy, or patriotic.
There is a quiet mistrust of the government among my Mennonite ancestors. Digging into this could fill up a post ten this length, but sufficed to say that there are reasons for their wariness.
So how, then, did they celebrate holidays that promoted values they didn’t share?
Food and fireworks.
It took me a very long time to figure out that other families thought of Memorial Day as a tribute to soldiers. My family never acknowledged that part of it. Memorial Day and the Fourth of July were about spending time with family and eating all of the good stuff that summer has to offer.
Holidays are what you make of them. You don’t have to follow the same script as everyone else.
U.S. readers, how are you celebrating Memorial Day?
Everyone else, scroll down and grin.
Source: http://themetapicture.com/i-dont-understand-the-usa/.