Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications

Memorial Day & Summer - Colliding Events

It's Memorial Day 2009.  It is also the official start to Summer 2009.  The two events have so much in common but at the same time they are so different.  So...just a thought about the day...before we march off to the grill

Maybe it's my age...I remember growing up and calling this day, "Decoration Day".  I was born five years after World War II and the memories of parades, flags and decorated bikes are lasting.  My mother and father (He spent over three years in the Navy, Pacific Theater) always made sure we were part of Decoration Day.  They wanted to make sure we took part.

For the kids, it was popular back then to "Play War" with real looking weapons, pine cones as grenades and uniforms, purchased from Army/Navy Surplus Stores.  But on this day we would put away our toy guns, old steel helmets  scuffed boots and...remember. 

As a child it was difficult and a little confusing.  When we were busy "killing Germans" in the sandbox or in the woods near the house we all got back up to fight another day.  I often wonder what the veterans thought of us...or if it mattered.  I never remember a time when we were told not to continue our "war" because it wasn't politically correct.  Those that experienced the real horror of war, who where on the ships, in the fox holes and on the beaches didn't mind our games.  What a difference a generation makes.

But, this isn't just about war and conflict and remembering...it's also about summer and kids and enjoying the first holiday of the season. It's about grilling and laughing and fishing and having an extra beer on Sunday night...because on Monday we're "off duty". 

It's about the promise of a new season.  That carefree time of year when shorts, t-shirts (and less) become the fashion.  It's OK now to wear "white pants" and switch our hats to straw.  It's time to forget minus twenty degrees and winds that whip the snow into deep drifts...

It's summer.

And, it's Memorial Day.

It's a day when the horror of war collides with the freedom of a season.  Amazing when you stop to think about it...

Michael P. Libbie - Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency.  Follow us on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or on our new Radio Show - Insight on Business heard daily (except today) at www.MacsWorldLive.com all part of Des Moines Local...Live!  Have a great day!

The Iowa Sportsman Radio Hour

Every Monday night at 7 Thomas Allen and I talk about Iowa and the outdoors on 98.3 WOW-FM.  You can listen live by following this link!

It's the radio version of The Iowa Sportsman magazine and we'll soon be celebrating our second year on the air!  The Iowa Sportsman covers hunting, fishing, boating, camping, biking, cross country skiing and a host of outdoor activities.  What's really great is the magazine and the radio show are both products of Iowans...for Iowans.  It's a full color, glossy look at what goes on in the major outdoor sports.

Tonight, August 4th, we'll be joined by Scott Reed, territory manager, for Pure Fishing.  Scott, an avid angler, travels South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa selling fishing gear.  No doubt we'll have to ask which state has the better fishing opportunities.

Thomas has been with The Iowa Sportsman for several years and, along with this radio show, is responsible for a bunch of stuff for the magazine.  That's why he gets the walnut paneled office!

Come on by for a listen maybe even give us a call and join in the conversation.  The studio line is 866-908-8255 or local at 312-0983.  Hope to hear from you!