Israel celebrates 62 years as a modern nation-state today. But before the Independence Day celebrations, Israelis all over the country come to a complete stop for two minutes to remember those who fell in the service of their country—even before it was officially a country.
Our Memorial Day weekend is a cause for barbecues, shopping, and maybe taking in part of the local parade. We could take a lesson from Israel on how to treat our veterans, I think.
On the other hand, Israelis sure do know how to barbecue. I’m told that as soon as it’s officially Independence Day, the air of the entire nation fills with the smell of roasting foods.
May the flag of Israel fly another 100 years!
L’Chaim!!!
Watch Robots Celebrating Israel Independence Day:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fJtJZh0VIQ&feature=related
One of the most interesting things is this juxtaposition of Memorial Day and Independence Day.
At 11 AM we the sirens sound and we stand for a moment of silence. An hour later people start slipping out of work, making their way to memorial ceremonies in their home towns, or meet up with old buddies at monuments put up by various units of the armed forces.
The radio starts out playing sad songs and interviewing bereaved parents…. and then…. somewhere in the course of the afternoon they gradually shift the mood of the songs.
People come back from the memorial ceremonies, out of the heat. They change their clothes. The religious have festive evening prayers… and then most towns have fireworks or public concerts. The youth groups have bonfires and cookouts.
It is one of the most subtle and amazing things… how one day feed the other…
Happy Birthday to You, Israel 62! I love you so much! I’m not even Jewish but Christian and I love you and your God: The God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob!