The Memorial Day-related front-page article in Monday’s Mirror provided two pictures 180 degrees apart regarding the annual patriotic observance.

It is apropos to reflect on both, not only encompassing communities in the Southern Alleghenies region but others throughout the state and nation.

For many area communities, Memorial Day came and went as expected. There was healthy attendance at parades and other holiday-related ceremonies and events, with residents and visitors demonstrating respect for the brave, selfless men and women who gave their lives while in this nation’s service.

But in some other communities, as Monday’s article noted, there was concern over dwindling attendance in recent and not-so-recent years and about what might lie ahead in future years, when those currently leading ceremonies are no longer present to continue holiday traditions.

That concern exists not only regarding Memorial Day, but also in connection with Independence Day, July 4, and even encompassing Labor Day, which this year will be observed on Sept. 2.

Tuesday’s holiday recap in the Mirror reported on the spirit of gratitude that prevailed among those attending holiday events, not only along parade routes but in cemeteries and at memorials listing the names of individuals who have served this nation, some never returning home.

Msgr. Stanley Carson of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona captured the feelings of no doubt most of those who attended Altoona’s holiday parade and other ceremonies. In that prayer he offered thanks to God “for the delight of watching the parade and witnessing the march of heroic men and women who have so generously and courageously served our country.”

The spirit of the day also was demonstrated by the people adorned in red, white and blue, those waving flags and those clapping as parade units passed or after messages were delivered.

Many attending Altoona’s parade could not help noticing Air Force veteran Willard Boyer, who wore a distinctive red outfit on which he displayed the medals he earned over his 20-year military career, which included stints in Vietnam and Germany.

Nevertheless, a downside marked the holiday not only in places where attendance at holiday ceremonies was sparse, but even in places where attendance was robust. Many more people had the opportunity to attend, despite the less-than-wonderful weather conditions that prevailed, but for whatever reason chose to forgo attendance.

However, there is a 2024 reality that must be acknowledged — a reality that continued to become more dominant as the years of the past half-century passed. That reality is centered in the mobility of people today as compared with their parents and grandparents.

The days around Memorial Day trigger the vacation season for many families, and vacations are in the proverbial high gear when July 4 and the weeks after arrive.

Unfortunately, however, the meanings and activities surrounding the patriotic holidays are not discussed or emphasized enough in many households and, thus, children grow up without ever participating in holiday ceremonies or other events.

Hopefully, that situation can be reversed, but the importance of that needs growing emphasis, going forward.

The big question is whether people of this country are up to the task.