Long before I was elected to federal office, I always regarded the Memorial Day weekend as something more than a commencement of summer festivities. Although no English family member has recently pursued a career in the military, my father’s involvement in the OSS in World War II, my brother-in-law’s distinguished service in Europe in the same conflict, and my wife’s cousin (a retired Admiral) have given the honor and sacrifice of military service a respect and familiarity in our clan. Memorial Day is an indispensible national holiday: an opportunity for a free nation to pause to consider the losses that average citizens have suffered on behalf of their country in order to protect it, and to preserve our freedom.

In the past, as a member of Congress I usually took every opportunity to attend parades and special ceremonies honoring those who had served, especially those who had forfeited their lives on behalf of America. I enjoyed making this small contribution, but since passing the baton I have enjoyed even more attending Memorial Day events as a citizen, without any political fanfare. This gives me the chance for reflection, and an expression of gratitude to those who sacrificed to make our nation secure.

This year I spent time with family and caught up on domestic obligations. I watched an obligatory war movie on cable (Gregory Peck in “Twelve O’clock High”, a stunning film even now), and took in light fare at a theater (“The Hangover, Part II”). We went out to dinner, and went shopping. But I also took time while in DC to visit the FDR Memorial; drive through Arlington Cemetery, where an ancestor sleeps lost in the Civil War (our bloodiest conflict per capita); and admire the Rolling Thunder armada as it rumbled through the capital. Most of all, I took a few hours to read history and consider what , and who, have made our country great.

That may seem like a quaint thing to do at a time like this. Our country has gone through an economic reversal that is unprecedented in our memory, and has shaken the foundations of our national consensus. We are struggling under a mountain of debt, with a weak economy. We are in the final phase of withdrawal from the theater of one war, engaged in another, and involved in some measure in another conflict. Americans are understandably confused, fatigued, angry. These things are all appropriate subjects for political debate, in which patriotic citizens can arrive at different conclusions. But that is not what Memorial Day is about.

Memorial Day is intended to be a gathering of all citizens, from every part of the political community, to express solemn respect for the service and willing sacrifice by generations of individual Americans on behalf of our nation. That expression doesn’t require blanket approval of every campaign or conflict, just a willingness to honor veterans of every generation for their sacrifice and love of country. One can oppose a policy, but still honor the troops that answer the call. The latter is what this holiday is for. It is important that we recognize and preserve this holiday as long as America requires such sacrifices.

So, this weekend I was proud to be part of the celebration- and thankful for the contribution our heroes have made to making ours a free people.

NOTE: this is the first of an occasional blog I will be submitting to this wonderful website. I have been a big admirer of Mike Richwalsky’s work, and its role in building a town square for Erie’s blog community. When Jim Berlin and Peter Panepento decided to shut down their frolicsome GlobalErie site last fall, and my law firm Arent Fox LLP plopped new responsibilities in my lap, I had to drop my “Presque Isle to the Potomac” blog out of concern for my commitment. Happily, my Government Relations practice (grappling with healthcare, trade, tax and energy issues for a diverse client base) has taken off and I can return to community concerns as Chris and I split our time between Erie and Washington. I am pleased now to be following Jim here to this website, with thanks to Mike, Jim, Peter and all the regulars who spiced things up at the other place. My hope is that the (at least) weekly entry will extend beyond the dismal science of economics and the much tarnished glitter of politics , to the things that matter to people in our part of Pennsylvania. My rule at the last site was to encourage diverse responses, and to embrace the civility and high standards that set the tone at GlobalErie. I realize that is a lot to aspire to- feel free to hold me to it.