Memorial Day Weekend 2009

The DJ states that Elvis was a patriotic man. As yet another of his songs emanates from the satellite radio station dedicated to the King, 50 year-old images return to your mind. Presley, his famous locks shorn, smiles for the camera in an Army uniform as you hear “One Night With You” recalling nostalgic memories that have become a piece of Americana. Suburban back-yard picnics marking a holiday have not changed much from those dreamlike images. Visiting the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio, tree lined streets shade houses adorned with the Stars and Stripes fluttering in the wind. The grill sizzles; children laugh and play as the radio changes to a station honoring the Boss. As Springsteen expounds upon the theme of our country’s optimism coupled now with poignant criticism, you look around to realize the American dream continues to live.