I was on my deck Memorial Day evening grilling hot dogs and heard the sound of explosions and thought the local Swedes were invading the Sons of Norway Lodge. Then, I realized it was not gun fire, it was fireworks!

What is up with that?

Memorial Day is not a national day of celebration, it is a day to honor American soldiers who died in battle. It is a day to visit a cemetery and present flowers or a flag on the grave of those who gave their lives to protect our freedom.

I have always loved fireworks on the Fourth of July, but I can not understand why folks shoot off fireworks on Memorial Day and Christmas. Did the Wise Men  shoot off Roman candles to celebrate the birth of Christ? I am guessing they did not.

Lee Metcalf

Poulsbo