For many, a lot of ‘meh’ in Memorial Day

Is the end near for West Duluth’s venerable Memorial Day Parade?

The Duluth News Tribune says only 16 groups or organizations have agreed to participate in this year’s parade, down from 44 a year ago, and a fraction of the 99 from a few years ago.

These are changing times,” Brenda Haase, a parade committee member, tells the DNT. “People don’t want to give up their three-day weekend.”

Fewer veterans are involved with the traditional veterans organizations that make up much of Memorial Day parades. Local high schools are sending smaller versions if they’re going to parades at all.

And fewer people are bothering to watch, especially now that the parade is so short.

“We do this in memory of loved ones,” said Karin Swor, a member of the Northland Veterans Service Committee, said. “If we’re going to carry this on, it’s an absolute must that we get help and get more participants.”

But the cabin calls.