The approaching weekend, (Memorial Day) has been special to me for as long as I can remember. As a child, each year we would take turns gathering at one of the many family homes for a barbeque. This of course was after my Father, Mother and Aunts would load us children into a car or two, sometimes three, to visit several cemeteries. Being the eldest I was usually the one sitting between all the flowers and wreath's until they were placed upon headstones or graves . That was because I didn't break, tweak, or damage the decoration before they got to their destination. I would sit with my eyes shut and focus on the fact that this weekend meant no more school, and summer was finally here. All I was concerned about was the barbeque, cousins, games, and being able to stay up late and catch fireflies, thinking fo no one but myself.
As I grew Older and understood the true meaning and history of Memorial Day, I didn't mind sitting among the flowers and wreaths, I felt it a privilege. I believe I was in the fifth grade when the teacher told the class about the origins of Memorial Day. It began in 1868 (May 5) around the American Civil war when members of the Grand Army of the Republic asked thier commander, Civil War General John A. Logan, to decorate the graves of their fallen compatriots with flowers. Memorial Day has since become the day on which the US honors the dead and fallen heroes of all its wars. ( I did not remember all this data, I did a little research). Some older people may refer to it as Decoration Day. Others, as I did before I was old enough to appreciate it, may think of it as the beginning of summer, or a day off work.
I was blessed with my first child on Memorial Day weekend in the mid. 60's. The Viet Nam War was still full force. I had a greater and deeper appreciation of Memorial Day by that time as many Americans did. We loss so many. Since then I have lost many friends, loved ones, and have heard of the lost of many young men and women in our Armed Services. My husband served in the Armed Services for 27 years. As many of our young men and women do, he grew up too fast, and saw things that most should never see. Several of our children joined the Military, and at this time we have a grandson serving our country in a far dangerous place. I know that there are brothers, sisters, wives, husbands, sons and daughters from some family, every where serving and keeping us free and safe. They too, the living, deserve our thoughts, prayers, and thanks for their sacrifice this Memorial Day Weekend. It's about remembering .
I still look forward to the barbecue's and family get togethers, but as an adult my heart is in a different place.
I reflect back on those that have gone before us, to give us this freedom, to give us our life, liberty and justice for all. So, this weekend as you celebrate and honor our fallen heroes and loved ones, lift up those living young men and women serving their country. Make it habit that every barbeque you have, or attend, every day, that each freedom thing that you can do, please stop and remember them! Pray for them, in your heart be grateful and thank them. Memorial Day should be in everyones heart everyday not just Memorial Day Weekend.
God bless those reading this and God Bless America!
As I grew Older and understood the true meaning and history of Memorial Day, I didn't mind sitting among the flowers and wreaths, I felt it a privilege. I believe I was in the fifth grade when the teacher told the class about the origins of Memorial Day. It began in 1868 (May 5) around the American Civil war when members of the Grand Army of the Republic asked thier commander, Civil War General John A. Logan, to decorate the graves of their fallen compatriots with flowers. Memorial Day has since become the day on which the US honors the dead and fallen heroes of all its wars. ( I did not remember all this data, I did a little research). Some older people may refer to it as Decoration Day. Others, as I did before I was old enough to appreciate it, may think of it as the beginning of summer, or a day off work.
I was blessed with my first child on Memorial Day weekend in the mid. 60's. The Viet Nam War was still full force. I had a greater and deeper appreciation of Memorial Day by that time as many Americans did. We loss so many. Since then I have lost many friends, loved ones, and have heard of the lost of many young men and women in our Armed Services. My husband served in the Armed Services for 27 years. As many of our young men and women do, he grew up too fast, and saw things that most should never see. Several of our children joined the Military, and at this time we have a grandson serving our country in a far dangerous place. I know that there are brothers, sisters, wives, husbands, sons and daughters from some family, every where serving and keeping us free and safe. They too, the living, deserve our thoughts, prayers, and thanks for their sacrifice this Memorial Day Weekend. It's about remembering .
I still look forward to the barbecue's and family get togethers, but as an adult my heart is in a different place.
I reflect back on those that have gone before us, to give us this freedom, to give us our life, liberty and justice for all. So, this weekend as you celebrate and honor our fallen heroes and loved ones, lift up those living young men and women serving their country. Make it habit that every barbeque you have, or attend, every day, that each freedom thing that you can do, please stop and remember them! Pray for them, in your heart be grateful and thank them. Memorial Day should be in everyones heart everyday not just Memorial Day Weekend.
God bless those reading this and God Bless America!
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