Memorial Frenzy

摘要

We are having a commemoration frenzy in Washington. It has been underway for some time now. Except for questions to do with the nature of adultery and the sanctity of middle-class entitlements (of which adultery may or may not be one), no subject seems to generate more argument. The arguments are multiple and continuous, and they concern, basically, which events—wars, tragedies, triumphs—deserve commemoration and what kind of commemoration they deserve. Would you drop dead of shock if I suggested that often as not these campaigns for commemoration seem to have less to do with remembering or honoring departed others, or even taking hushed, respectful note of bygone events, than they do with commemorating and honoring and justifying ourselves?