Memorial Day May 31,2010
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Memorial Day. When I was a kid, I remember this being referred to as Decoration Day. Mom would prepare special flower arrangements and we would go to the cemetery to place these arrangements on the graves of some of our family members who had served in the armed forces and had passed from this life. As we drove the tree lined, winding roads of the cemetery, I could not help but get a little excited. The cemetery had become “alive” with little American flags flying in the breeze! No matter what direction I looked, the red, white, and blue flags decorated the landscape. Seeing all these flags in one place excited me. It was like a party in the cemetery!
Years have passed since those visits to the cemetery with Mom, and are but memories tucked away. Since those times, I have also visited Arlington cemetery and the Viet Nam Wall in Washington D.C.; memorials of larger scale, and reminders of the sacrifices given for my freedoms. To see the names of fallen soldiers on the Wall all in one place, and rows and rows of white tombstones in Arlington, is a humbling experience. And yes, I too have loved ones whose names appear in those places.
Memorial Day is a national holiday for our country every year. Some will plan family get-togethers, barbecues, swimming parties, ballgames, and some will celebrate just having time off work It is my hope, you will also remember those who have served our great country. Remember their service and dedication has helped make it possible for us to celebrate!
