Many of the residents of the Asheville area — as with too many other localities throughout the United States — are making a sad joke out of Memorial Day.

The holiday, which is intended to honor those who died in the nation’s service, all-too-often is simply regarded as a three-day weekend that unofficially launches the start of summer. It’s also regarded as a time for sales by retailers.

In our increasingly superficial, dumbed-down, “Dancing With the Stars”-distracted culture, there is only a small contingent of tuned-in, historically knowledgeable citizens left to attend the highly  meaningful ceremonies that are held each year around the Asheville area.

This year, for instance, perhaps 150 people attended the observance in Pack Square Park, while “dozens” were reported present at the WNC State Veteran’s Cemetery, where a flock of white doves were released. These sparse turnouts are shameful. 

Those who died in service to our country deserve to be honored — and not snubbed — on the day that has been set aside to honor them.