Memorial Day: Be safe, be kind, honor sacrifices

Believe it or not, the summer season is upon us. 

And while the roads of the Cape Region have been gradually filling up with more cars over the last few weeks and months, a new wave is about to hit. With new traffic patterns, such as the roundabout near Five Points, it’s important to practice patience on the roadways. Many people are new to the area or are experiencing traffic patterns for the first time. Give them a break. 

Last May saw a number of serious crashes in the area, including a double fatal. Slow down. Drive defensively. Let cooler heads prevail. 

The same can be said about treatment of those in our hospitality industry, the lifeblood of the local economy. It’s important to remember that it’s a holiday weekend and there will be waits for restaurants. With many college students still away and high schoolers still playing sports or taking part in other school-related activities, many local businesses may be short-staffed. All staff from the front end to the back are working as fast as they can.

It’s also important to take note of parking regulations of each town. Things change from one season to another. Look at the signs. If using ParkMobile, make sure the correct car is selected and the license plate includes all numbers and letters. Parking enforcement officers are just doing their job, like it or not. 

And let’s not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. Make sure to set aside some time this weekend to remember those who went off to war and didn’t return. Think of their friends, families and loved ones. Without those sacrifices, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we enjoy.

Dozens of observances will happen Monday, May 27, across almost every local town. Post 17 in Lewes will also host a Memorial Day parade at 11 a.m. The grand marshal will be 100-year-old World War II veteran George McCarthy. Check out capegazette.com/calendar online and on page 110 of the print edition for a few of the Memorial Day ceremonies.