UncommonPromise

Memorial Day on the sleepy island of Nahant, just outside of Boston, was one of those special treats that left its mark on our lives. Nothing could be more poignant than New England townspeople remembering their fallen heroes. We stood on a tree lined street with all the residents of that tiny community and experienced one of the most traditional parades imaginable. There were high school bands, Brownies, mounted police, fire engines, local dignitaries, flags, banners, all the details. As the parade ended, we along with the locals, fell into line and followed the parade to the cemetery. A gray stone church tucked into a rolling knoll stood in the middle, the lawn edged with a classic stone and wrought iron fence. As the crowd gathered to listen, a handful of the town leaders, one by one, approached the microphone.There were prayers, speeches, and stories offered, followed by three bugle players’ mournfulTaps. It was a haunting, yet inspiring sound. Then to close the ceremony, cannons were fired from the nearby dock. Fireworks were promised at dusk.



We walked away, reflecting on how traditions are passed along very much the same way as habits and mannerisms are. We have all learned by watching, listening and participating.The behaviors modeled create images that emphasize shared values that inhere deeply within. Traditions keep the values alive and at the same time, have the curious power to limit, generating rote behavior rather than deliberate, thoughtful consideration. Nahant gave us much to think about that day as we walked away from kites and rolling drums to reconsider our own participation and what it means to stay in step.

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Uncommon Promise Video Channel

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