Nobody asked us, but ... Remember the meaning of Memorial Day

This is the Memorial Day weekend. While it is a time many people celebrate a three-day weekend, it behooves us to remember those who are currently in peril and those who have gone before. If you do not have plans to revere those who have fought and died for us, at least take the time to say a quick prayer of gratitude for them. There still are wars going on as we speak in Afghanistan and Iraq, not to mention Jamaica, Thailand and Somalia. Lest we forget, there are other flash points around the world in both Koreas, Israel and the Middle East. We can appreciate the people who gather at the front of the Legislative building every Monday afternoon asking for an end to war.

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It is always heartwarming to see the family of CWO2 Joshua Rodgers, who was killed in Afghanistan three years ago today, marching down Carson Street every Friday in his honor, in their red shirts and American flags. May he rest in peace, along with those who died in Vietnam (with 58,000 others), David Collins, Mike Bodamer, Charles Lee, Bill Skivington and Patrick Curran. We will never forget.

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Don't forget to vote Tuesday, June 8 in the primary election. You need to find out the difference between who are the lightweights and who really have something to offer. That burden is on us. Follow the money, the grudges, the out-of-state support, and make an educated decision. Also, we know it's tempting, but don't run over them ... many are walking your neighborhood and going door to door. At least ask questions and give them a smile, it's tough work.

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Now, for the funny of the week: A friend of ours called his sister in Lovelock two Fridays ago and asked what time his grand niece's graduation was. She told him 7 p.m., so he went happily on his way, got his stuff together and went out there. As he drove into their driveway, her husband came out of the house, looked at him, and mouthed, "Next week." Soooo, we hope he attended on the right date and time. Needless to say, it was pretty funny.

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With the terrible oil tragedy in the gulf, where the BP oil platform blew up, we wonder what would happen if an American-based petroleum company had the same problem? Do they have a fail-safe backup? Have they offered assistance? Was it accepted or refused? The Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared" seems exceedingly apropos. Makes our suggestion that we take the hype out of nuclear power and get on the stick, very timely. Get wise, folks.

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Thanks to Josh, Sandi, Sammy and Will at the Walmart Garden Center for being so nice. It doesn't hurt to keep thanking all our service people, garbage men, public services, you name it. They always like a smile and a thank you. We especially like the servers at Adele's, the Basil, Grandma Hattie's, ZBistro, and Vicente at Zephyr Cove; they, and many others like them, are the "cat's meow." And a happy "old" birthday to Steve VanDenburgh tomorrow.

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Carolyn went to Idaho last week to see her cousin, Alice Tate Shelton, who is terminally ill. Her family is with her, but they are going through an extremely difficult time. Please send all of them your prayers. Thank you.

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The Carson Lanes Retail Center will be holding its "Relay For Life" on Thursday, June 17, from 7-9 p.m. Get a team of four together and call 883-2606 to sign up, it's $10 for adults and $7.50 for kids (includes two games and shoe rental), and all proceeds go to the CC Relay for Life program. Lot's of fun "having a ball."

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We hope the city looks long and hard at the Nugget project ... neither of us have ever heard of a city where the library is the "main attraction." Have a good week.

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached at editor@nevadaappeal.com.