Just Another North Bay Village Monday

Memorial Day is the most solemn of American holidays. It started in 1865 by recently freed slaves to honor those who had fallen in the fight for freedom. It was moved to its current last Monday in May only in 1971 but had been celebrated in every state prior to that, often as Decoration Day. For much of the nation, it's the unofficial start to summer and is often celebrated with barbecues, picnics, pool and beach events. And in much of the nation, with parades and remembrances of those who died too young for a free, prosperous, safe America.

In North Bay Village, the day goes by without a single acknowledgment from our village. Some houses, not many, fly the flag and some of us attend ceremonies in other cities to honor those who died, but here, nothing. No flag in front of the police building on Galleon nor the public works building next door. No flag in front of our village hall building, nor at the $6 million park. Certainly no decoration in front of Fortress 360, a condo association ruled by Commissioner Gonzalez. No proclamation from the mayor. Just a Monday off.

Kevin Vericker

May 26, 2014 – Memorial Day