lifestyle

There are a lot more Americans in Panama than is generally supposed. The stereotypes are never more shown to be a distorted caricature than at the Corozal American Cemetery on Memorial Day. Yes the community includes expats of various descriptions, but also a wide spectrum of dual citizens, and many of both sorts of Americans took arms for the United States. And yes, at this year's patriotic observance there were Americans who fervently support the US prosecution of the Iraq War, but antiwar Americans were also repesented.

The main speaker and guest of honor this year was Brigadier General William J. Leszczynski, Jr. (US Army retired), the executive director of the American Battle Monuments Commission, the organization that runs the American graveyard here. A ranger and former second in command of the US Army Special Operations Command, Leszczynski spoke of the historical origins of Memorial Day, the official recognition in 1868 by the Grand Army of the Republic of what had already been a customary observance. He reminded those in attendance, including one who had lost her son in Iraq and many who had come back from their US military service with disabilities, to "not forget the more than 4,500 men and women who have paid the ultimate price in Iraq and Afghanistan." Speaking of duty, democracy and the rule of law, the general spoke up for "individual rights" as opposed to "mob rule" and lamented that "Unfortunately, for some Americans Memorial Day has become nothing more than another three-day weekend." He thanked the veterans present for their sacrifices, closing by remarking that "all who enjoy the blessings of liberty are forever in their debt."