Memory Serves

Amy and Leon Kass posted this Memorial Day reflection a year ago and while they certainly encourage pausing to remember the sacrifices of fellow Americans who "gave the last full measure of devotion,"  they actually diagnose and prescribe something even more important than that for the health of our nation.

American identity, character, and civic life are shaped by many things, but decisive among them are our national memories—of our long history, our triumphs and tragedies, our national aspirations and achievements. Crucial to the national memory are the words our forebears wrote, to show us who we are and what we might yet become. Robust citizenship is impossible without national attachment. National attachment is thin at best without national memory. And national memory depends on story, speech, and song. (my italics)