Sometimes it takes a trip once or twice a year to sharpen your perspective of changes in society. The newest perspective is fresh and yet the past memory sharp enough to know what has changed — changes stand out in sharp contrast to what you remember.

As residents of the Harlem Valley, we’re lucky. We live in an area that is, simply, beautiful. And because of that natural beauty, the tourism trade has flourished.

Many people feel that the divide in America is primarily caused by location, ethnicity and education. To a large extent those are the markers or the outcome of the real reason behind the divisions among the population. 

The 80th anniversary of the start of World War II in September 1939 approaches, and merits special efforts to remember it, because how that war began has renewed relevance today, as Europe is roiled by internal conflicts, right-wing factions are increasing their power, and NATO is being weakened. 

In the next few days Americans are going to be asked to remember. They’re to remember the countless men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country while serving in the Armed Forces. The occasion? Memorial Day, which is being commemorated this year on Monday, May 27.