On Memorial Day

Memorial Day.

What is Memorial Day?

A three day weekend? A day off from Work or School? A time to have bbq's with friends and family? The start of summer fun? Well, in a way yes; all of these are associated with Memorial Day.

But is that it? How many know and understand today what Memorial Day is; where it comes from and why it is a National Holiday?

Being a veteran, being married to a veteran, having father's, relatives and friends that are veterans, it is easy for us to remember what this 'Day of Remembrance' stands for. Today, with the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, half a world away, and so many who have died during these wars for OUR Country; Memorial Day as a 'Day of Remembrance' should be foremost in our minds and hearts.

I was looking around the web to see what information was available on Memorial day, and I was saddened to come across the following statement....

"Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country."
(Quoted from: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html).


Because of this sad state,in the year 2000 the following was established:

"The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans." (http://www.remember.gov/).


Dave came home from work with a Red Poppy today.............

Next question:

What is the significance of the 'Red Poppy'? Why is it always around right before Memorial Day?


"Inspired by a poem entitled, “In Flanders Fields”, the poppy has become the flower symbol for the Memorial Day Holiday.The poppy was first recognized as the Memorial Day flower in 1915 when a woman by the name of Moina Michael began to sell poppies in an effort to encourage further recognition of the day.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

This blog post is my tribute/contribution to the 'Moment of Remembrance' and Memorial Day. If only one person reading this observes the minute of silence on Memorial Day (at 3pm local time), it will be one more person who knows and remembers those who have fallen in honour, in the service of our Country.
As a final note to this blog; it doesn't matter if you support the current wars or not. It is your RIGHT to have and express your opinion under the US Constitution. But Please keep this close to your heart..... You have that right because of the men and women throughout our history who have fought to protect your rights; to protect OUR US Constitution.

Don't turn your back on our Servicemen (women), and don't cheapen the memory of those who have died fighting for OUR freedom.
I don't know how many who may read this have served in the US Military; but I thought I would share with you 'The OATH of Enlistment' for the US NAVY. I would like you to know what faith these Sailors (and all branches of the Military) are placing on our Country and on us:

The Oath of Enlistment

I, ___________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

I hope you have a safe and happy Memorial Day.
A Moment of Remembrance.
A Day of Remembrance.