nextgen_misc:

There was a flash of bright light and the group appeared on a small hilltop overlooking what would be the modern day spot of the town of Hamre, Norway. Humans had been living in this area since the Stone Age, eking out a living in the harsh climate.

The walled settlement was set at the mouth of a river that emptied into the bay. The buildings and wall were made of timber harvested from the nearby forest and a little land had been cleared for farming. Though in the cold North, most sustenance was derived from the sea and the raiding parties that went out in boats each summer.

The inhabitants of the town were gathered in a field some distance away from the settlement. A large ship sat on top a pyre and the townsfolk gathered around. Men, warriors, carried the body of their chieftan to the ship and placed him inside the tent. A young woman, a thrall, flanked by two warriors and an old woman walked to the ship. She paused long enough to give her jewelry to the old woman and then boarded the ship. She stood on the deck and was handed intoxicating drinks. Afterward, she entered the tent with six men and an old woman. The warriors outside began to beat on their shields.

The men and the old woman left the boat and grabbed torches. They set the torches to the wood and the pyre began to burn.

nextgen_holiday:

On the last Monday in May the country pauses to mourn its war dead, the spirit of redemptive sacrifice is extolled and pledges to American ideals are renewed. Flags are placed on soldiers' graves and those who sacrificed their lives for their country are remembered.

The holiday first began in the 1860s to honor the Civil War dead and took place near the day of reunification after the war, it has since come to encompass all war dead. People observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time and another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at National Cemeteries. The National Memorial Day Concert takes place on the west lawn of the United States Capitol where music is performed, and respect is paid to the men and women who gave their lives for their country.

Families and friends come together for barbecues and cookouts. Kids rejoice at the opening of pools and knowing that summer has begun and school is ending.