The beginning of summer has brought with it the holiday we expect, Memorial Day, the closing of schools, and also the commemoration of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and celebrations focusing upon D-Day. The war against terror presses on, with the number of fatalities growing each day. Confusion and consternation also increase as the terrorist situation is maintained, not lessened. Young Oregonians have died in this war, and their deaths make this Memorial Day particularly momentous.

Joseph and Enterprise both have parks and lovely downtowns to visit during the summer season. The car show in Joseph is next weekend and, before long, Lostine will have its world-class flea market. There is the Wallowa Art Fair this week in Joseph and other such cultural events all summer long, including the Blues Festival and Chief Joseph Days.

Downtown Joseph has incredible bronze sculptures intermittently located along its main street. Its sidewalks are made of cobblestones, adding to the special flavor of the community.

There is an array of wonderful boutiques and shops to catch the eye of travelers. Tourist season brings thousands to Wallowa Lake, the tramway and hiking in that area.

When coming to this part of Oregon for the first time, one has little idea of the beauty of the mountains or the peace of the countryside until you are almost here. Just coming out of the canyon to go toward the town of Wallowa, offers a spectacular view and a good feeling that are difficult to find anywhere else. I don’t know if I could ever take these things for granted.

I haven’t yet, and I have come to Wallowa Lake country for many years. Now that we own land and a place by the Wallowa River, we feel pleased each time we remind ourselves that we are part of it now.

Knowing of celebrations and events all over the world make me appreciative what we have right here in our own backyards. Many of the draws to our community are unique, like Chief Joseph’s gravesite just at the end of Wallowa Lake, the incredible Tramway, which takes folks up, up and away until they can see what feels like the very edge of the world, as well as the Moraines on either side of Wallowa Lake, itself amazingly deep and picturesque.

Visiting the local foundries is a most unique experience; people can see where many parts of the new World War II Memorial were made, as well as have a detailed look at the laborious casting process necessary to create bronze works of art.

I know I haven’t mentioned all the summer festivals and celebrations within easy driving distance. What stays in the back of my mind is that the war continues, regardless of our activities. Summer is our season of leisure, and on the other side of the world, our military is fighting a hidden enemy seen through sand storms and found in the devastation already reaped from the war.

I know this is the time of year for fun and picnics. But, I have trouble getting into the spirit of it, knowing how much sadness and death are built into each day. My heart both swelled and hurt at the patriotic music in Memorial Day concerts I heard.