Most of us think of Memorial Day in terms of beaches and parks and barbecues. Just another federal holiday with a day off. So, after your hot dogs and burgers and your romp in the park, perhaps you can take a moment to contemplate what the true meaning of Memorial Day is: a time to honor all the men and women in the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to keep this world free.Originally called Decorations Day, it was initially created to honour the soldiers who died during the Civil War. It now commemorates those who have perished during all the various wars. The traditional day of observance was always May 30th, although it is now observed on the last Monday in May. Many groups are trying to re-instate May 30th as the official day of observance. Understandable, I suppose, considering it was meant to be a national day of mourning and not a day of celebration.
There are several things one can do to observe the true meaning of Memorial Day including flying the U.S. Flag at half mast until noon, and at 3 p.m. (local time), participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance". Take a minute or two to reflect on all the soldiers who have lost their lives in service to their country. USMemorialDay.org has some other ways of honouring the dead:
While you're at it, please take a moment to pray for the fallen soldiers of our allies, without whom we would not prevail.-by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
-by visiting memorials.
-by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
-by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans. [I send donations to freedomalliance.org . They help families of fallen war heroes]
God Bless them all.
Rest in peace warriors of freedom.
beautiful memorial tribute song by Trace Adkins
6 comments:
Great post!! We can never do enough to thank our brave men and women in the military.
Always remember.
praise be to them all!!
Arlington Cemetery is located on ground that was owned by Mrs Robert E. Lee. She was kin to Mary Curtis Washington. The ground was confiscated during the Civil War and turned into a Cemetery to Keep the Lee Family from coming back and using it after the war. According to what I read, The US Government finally paid for the land to a son of Robert E. Lee but he never got to live there. It is wonderful place to visit if you are in Washington but you could spend a month there and not see all the great places. My Favorite is the Vietnam Wall and the Korea Memorial across from the White House. Just today we found out that a family member was killed in Iraq. He has a young wife and a new child. The family will probably bury the soldier in Washing State near his family. MUD
LittleMC- Thank you and I agree.. never enough.
BCF- Don't think we do that enough either.
PATJ: Amen to that.
MUD: Thanks for that info. I had no idea. Good to know. And so sorry to hear about your family member! RIP, brave one. My condolences.
Hope u had a meaningful holiday girl!
Post a Comment