PE 5/26 Memorial Day Parade

Well, Memorial Day is a chance to shine the spotlight on the men and women who served in our military. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it.

* have/get a lump in one’s throat: to feel like you are about to cry

ex> Whenever Sandy sees homeless animals, she gets a lump in her throat.

Look at those floats! That one looks like a recreation of the Iwo Jima Memorial. You know, the one based on that famous photograph of the guys putting up the flag?

It says on the front of it that it was made by the senior class of the local high school. That one really stands out from the crowd.

* stand out from the crowd: to be unusual or unique

ex> Kelly has a way of standing out from the crowd without even trying.

Note> The phrase “stand out” (used without “from the crowd”) means to be noticeable, prominent, or distinctive.

ex> Her bright yellow dress really stood out at the party.

Yeah, it’s great and all, but why did you drag me down here in the rain to see this?

* drag: to reluctantly do something or go somewhere

ex> Every year, my mother used to drag me and my brother down to the mall to buy new school uniforms.

Yeah, it’s pretty sad, but that’s the way it goes. In another 20 years we’ll be saying goodbye to a lot more Vietnam War veterans.

* that’s the way it goes: the normal way of things

ex> That’s the way it goes – sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

Let’s not think about that. Let’s just thank our lucky stars they’re still around today. Especially your grandfather.

* thank one’s lucky stars: to give appreciation for one’s good fortune

ex> We should thank our lucky stars to have been born in an economically advanced nation.