Brief thoughts on some of the events making news from around Franklin County and the North Quabbin area:
Toward the end of the Civil War, Union Gen. William T. Sherman, in a letter, wrote, “You cannot qualify war in harsher terms than I will. War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it.” Sherman had seen plenty of war’s horrors during the First Battle Manassas, Shiloh and his infamous march through Georgia.
Sherman was not alone in recognizing the horrible realities of war and the need to recognize the sacrifice of those who had answered the nation’s call. It’s said that John A. Logan witnessed widows and other townspeople decorate the graves of those who had died during the war. Whether this particular memory motivated Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, is lost in history. But what is known is that Logan issued General Order No. 11, establishing May 30 as the annual date “for the purpose of strewing flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of Comrades who died in the defense of their country.” First called Decoration Day, we now know the observance as Memorial Day.
Since the Civil War, the U.S. and the men and women who have answered their nation’s call to duty have experienced the cruelty of war. And it remains just as important as it did in the 1860s to remember the many sacrifices that have been made in defending the nation and its freedoms. Today, there are ceremonies and parades around Franklin County. We urge people to take part in an observance and recall the history and the men and women who died serving our country.
The state Senate has passed a bill that would ban single-use plastic bags. As reported in the State House News Service story, the Senate’s move has been met with criticism, much like the opposition that was leveled at the idea here in Greenfield. We’re not impressed that the effort was attached to the budget bill. Such a plan should get much more public attention and scrutiny as a stand-alone effort. That said, it will bear watching to see what the House decides to do as part of the budget negotiations.
Congratulations to Gary Mullins, head coach of Turners Falls High School’s softball team, who recently became western Massachusetts’ all-time leader in coaching victories in a single sport. Depending what happens in the post season, we suspect that Mullins will add a few more wins to the 640 total that helped him earn the record.
And speaking of spring sports, we’re about to hit the month of June, which means that the school year is coming to an end. But it also means that the spring sports teams are headed to post-season competition. Why not get out and cheer on a team as they attempt to claim a state title? The athletes and coaches will appreciate the support and it’s a great way to get some fresh air.