The Way It Was

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 The Vietnam War was not a popular War.  I never protested the war, but chose the path of education instead.  I was 17 when I graduated from high school and the draft had been put on hold from September, which is my birth month, of 1969 until December.  But I was in college when I turned 18 and registered for the draft.  College deferments were offered then, but because the lottery was to take place in December, I had to wait to see what number was going to be assigned to my birthdate.  The first lottery was held and my birthday was 313 out of 366. and the highest number for that year was 197 of those that were drafted, but my feelings about the war didn't matter.  I wasn't going to serve.

The fact is that the draft changed so many things at that time.  It was believed that if 18 year olds were old enough to serve, they were old enough to drink and vote.  They were old enough to get legally married.  And they were old enough to own property and buy a car.  So, many restrictions reserved for those 21 and over were given to 18 year olds just because of the draft.  

So today we honor those who have been killed in combat.  And we also extend that to the living who have served.  However, Memorial Day has become a holiday when summer vacation begins.  There are trips to the beach, cook outs, boating, trips, and time with family.  There are two days that bookend summer and those are Memorial Day and Labor Day.  It used to be said that it was a faux pas to wear white before Memorial Day and wear white after Labor Day.  That was a cultural tabboo, that no longer matters.

Memorial Day used to be May 30, but in 1968 Congress passed a bill making Memorial Day the last Monday in May, so that federal employees could get a three day weekend.   Memorial Day has become a day to remember the dead, but particularly remembering those who served.  Armistice Day was a day set aside to remember the end of WWI, but that was changed in 1938 to include all veterans of all wars, so it became Veterans Day, November 11.  It is that day no matter what day of the week it falls on.  Memorial Day might be more of an all-inclusive day to remember all those who have passed. 

I realize pipe smoking has nothing to do with Memorial Day, but let me just say here, since this is a blog about smoking a pipe, that smoking a pipe is a time-honored tradition that has deep roots in the military as well.  I could say that I remember those who have passed who handed down the hobby to the next generation.  I don't know any pipe smokers personally who have passed.  I almost wish I did.  I know of famous people who have smoked pipes, but I have no relatives who were pipe smokers.  I have no friends that have passed who were pipe smokers. 

Today I am smoking my Angel pipe with Tropical Export.  I'll give honor to the famous pipe smokers of a by-gone era.  A lot of names  come to mind.  I won't go through my list of my favorite famous people who have smoked pipes.  But  maybe I'll raise a glass or two to them all. Thank you for your time and Peace to each of you.

Dave 


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