There is no doubt that as we age our priorities shift. We begin to realize the things that are important, and those that really are not. The things that we should devote our time and energy to, and the ones we should let go.

I have always loved traditions. Family traditions are very important to me and I do my best to pass on my favorites to the next generations. I also enjoy learning about cultural traditions - the how and why behind some of those things that become an established part of a person’s or group of people’s lives.

It may sound weird, but one of my favorite traditions growing up was visiting the cemeteries and decorating graves on Memorial Day. History has always fascinated me, and finding the oldest grave marker in the cemetery has long been a fun challenge I also like finding the graves of my ancestors and learning who they were and where they fit in the family tree.

The grave decorating tradition was extremely important to my mom, and when she passed away in 2017, I promised it would be one I would carry on. I have. And to my joy, my daughter also enjoys visiting the cemeteries and gives me great hope that she will continue to carry that torch when I no longer can.

I have noticed, however, that like many other traditions that one seems to have lost importance for a lot of people. It used to be that when we went to the cemetery, there would be cars and people everywhere doing the same thing we were doing. In recent years, that has not been the case.

This year, we had to go to cemeteries the weekend before Memorial Day because we had a grandson graduating on Memorial Day weekend. That is where the traditional shift really got my attention, and not in a good way.

We arrived at the Pinnacle Bank Arena for the Lincoln Southwest ceremony about 30 minutes early, knowing that with a venue that large even with that many people, we would likely still get good seats. We did.

However, when we sat down we noticed that the graduates were already seated on the floor below us. Wait…what? No “Pomp and Cirumstance” and everyone standing for the senior class?

There were two senior addresses given, which I later found out from my grandson were selected by audition and had nothing to do with academics. The graduates were herded across the stage like cattle to receive their diplomas, and at the conclusion of the ceremony there was no one up front leading the turning of the tassel. And when it was over, we were dismissed. Just dismissed. No all standing while the graduates marched out…nothing. It was so weird!

Call me old-fashioned (and I’m sure plenty do), but I feel like the LSW Class of 2026 got cheated. And so did their families.

Some traditions just shouldn’t be messed with. I, for one, happen to think decorating graves and “Pomp and Circumstance” at graduation fall into that category.

That said, we had a great weekend celebrating our grandson and enjoying time with family - and remembering those who are no longer with us. After all, it’s tradition.