Next Monday our calendar reminds us that it’s Memorial Day. There used to be parades marking the day that coincided with the beginning of summer. People would take flowers to graves in cemeteries across the nation, remembering those who have gone before. Originally known as Decoration Day, the purpose was to acknowledge those who had lost their lives in battle, but it eventually expanded into remembering any loved one long since gone.
Does anyone go to graves anymore? It’s a federal holiday so at least some people have the day off work. For others it’s like any other day. Still others can’t resist taking advantage of the “Biggest Sale of the Year” at their favorite store.
How does the saying go? “Those who forget history are destined to repeat it.”
Is it possible to have a “Happy Memorial Day” as people often tell you? I suppose it is for those who give no thought whatsoever to those who have fought for our freedom and paid with their lives. Others have done so and escaped with their lives but are otherwise scarred.
My husband, a Viet Nam veteran, has a sweatshirt that says, “Home of the Free Because of the Brave”.
On this day of barbeques and neighborhood picnics, may we take a few quiet moments to pause, remember and be grateful.
“I always thank my God every time I remember you…” (Philippians 1:3)
Thank you for your lovely reminder.
Amen!
Very important reminder. Thank you. I like going to the National Veterans Memorial Cemetery the day after Memorial Day (avoiding the huge crowd) to see all the flowers left at the grave sites. It is a sight to behold which stirs our emotions. And, it’s not just the flowers but also the coins that the visitors leave behind. Penny – A penny at the gravesite means you visited. You have no formal relationship with the deceased, but you honor their service and their family.
Nickel – A nickel is left if you and the deceased person trained at boot camp together.
Dime – In the case of a dime, you served with the deceased person in some capacity.
Quarter – Finally, a quarter indicates you were with the deceased when he or she died.
Thank you for the reminder because we have a strong tendency to forget…
We do need to remember those who have gone before us. My father who was in the army, my husband who was in the navy and my sister who was in the army. We need to remember instead of its a great day for shopping. Thank you for your message
Linda, interesting about the coins. Yes, Teri, we can get involved with the “holiday” forgetting its meaning. I like to burn a candle during the day, red for the blood that was shed, the flame of strength and courage.
Many thanks to all that have served and are still serving for our country!
We always appreciate celebrating Memorial Day. We used to go to the National Cemetary, Fort Snelling in St. Paul to drink in the floral colors; flags; music and speeches remembering those who have gone before – especially those who served.