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Health & Fitness

Graduation and Memorial Day: Reflect and Celebrate

It seems odd yet appropriate that our local commencement ceremonies and Memorial Day fall together this year. Both are a time for celebration and remembrance.

It seems odd yet appropriate that our local commencement ceremonies and Memorial Day fall together this year. Both are a time for celebration and remembrance. Regardless of whether you have a graduate in your family, the community congratulatory signs bring back memories and offer a time to reflect on the past, the present, and the future.  

The flags around Duluth honor our fallen soldiers and remind us of the ultimate sacrifice made by our military to keep us safe and free.  The flags show our collective appreciation for our loved ones who are currently serving at home and abroad. Like my nephew Mark and my son's friends Kevin and Josh. The flags represent freedom and give us confidence that our Duluth graduates will be able to pursue their dreams. I love seeing the flags around Duluth and I’m always amazed at their numbers.

Every time they are out, I try to read the names:  John Muzini, Gregory Thomas, Barry Ravera, George Shelton, Roger, Ben, Tommy, Eldin. These flags represent a life lived honorably and lives that will never be forgotten by their hometown. We are proud of our soldiers from Duluth! My eyes strain but the car accelerates and it’s all a blur of fluttering red, white, blue, and tiny letters that cannot be deciphered anymore. It makes me realize how quickly time passes.

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Seeing your child graduate also makes you realize how quickly time passes. When the graduate walks, we revel in the moment: The moment of pride and accomplishment no matter how small or large, not unlike the pride we feel for our soldiers. For some this crowning moment of completion came relatively easy, but there are many who wondered – up to the final hour -- if they would make it.  For those that didn’t graduate with their class, persevere to next year! For those who made it, congratulations!

After the graduation ceremony there’ll be time for a stroll down memory lane. Remember all the late night hours sweating over projects, all the editing and revisions of papers, all the memorizing and categorizing, and the dog-ate-my-homework excuses? Remember those people who encouraged you no matter how much you resisted and flailed about in your desire to wallow in self pity and procrastination? Remember the times you were in trouble or just plain troubled? Take a moment to express your gratitude to those who helped you along the way.  

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OMG, let’s not forget those annoyingly distracting and awkward social issues! On second thought, let’s do forget those. A vice principal at Duluth High (who shall remain anonymous) explained to me once that high school is more about the social issues than learning. I just looked at him, couldn’t be sure if he was serious or joking. I prefer to think it’s more the latter than the former.

“Woohoo! Halleluiah! Praise the Lord!” We have many reasons to celebrate this weekend! Accomplishments both small and large have led our graduates to this plateau in their lives and will serve them well on their continued journey. We are proud of our graduates from Duluth! Giles, Andrew, Kevin, Hayley, Andrew, Nhi, Laura, Sam, and so many others! You are totally awesome! However you choose to celebrate -- have a memorable, fun, and safe weekend!

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