Sunday, May 29, 2016

Happy Memorial Day!

Republishing a feature from a few years ago...

These photo say it all. Memorial Day is a U.S. national holiday when we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. If you have lost a loved one, please know that millions are pausing today to reflect on your sacrifices. We care. Thank you for giving up the most precious thing you could give - your children, fathers and mothers, grandparents, brothers and sisters, cousins, and friends. I hope you can let the American people embrace you today in a gigantic collective hug of love and appreciation.

While today isn't really about the living, it's a great opportunity to thank veterans and the men and women who are currently serving in our Armed Forces. At any time, those at war could join the fallen at our national memorials at Arlington Cemetery and across the country. Today, some who were injured while serving are healing at hospitals around the world. Their stories - grit, determination, and bravery - are inspirational. Others who have returned from war aren't receiving the care (or the jobs) we owe them. That saddens me.

There was a beautiful, moving tribute, originally published in the Washington Post, A Song of Gratitude at Arlington National Cemetery, by Page Johnson of McLean, Virginia. I recommend that you read it at this link.

Here's a short excerpt.

So on this day of memories, I come to tell them thank you. I come to tell them I honor their service and the heritage they have given me. Most of all, I come to tell them that they are neither alone nor forgotten. I will be here for them, in spirit and in deed, and for their fellow soldiers trying to make a safer world so the children of every mother and father can sleep securely at night.

So many images - so many stories - define Memorial Day. "Thank you" doesn't seem adequate. While there will be pageantry, picnics, parades, concerts, and fireworks today, many of us will be thinking tearfully about the heroes who gave their lives so that we could live in peace.

Photos courtesy of photooftheday.com, nbcnews.com, and the Washington Post

2 comments:

shelley said...

I always enjoy reading your blog and this is a lovely post. Thank you for helping us remember what this holiday is all about and the sacrifices so many have made for our freedom. As a 40 something woman thanks, too, for being a "home" for relevant beauty advice!

Sandra said...

Such a lovely tribute to those brave individuals who have made it possible for us to have the freedoms we enjoy today. My dad was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. I will forever remember the stories he and his fellow survivors told of the sacrifices and horrors suffered by those brave souls who fought and gave their lives for each one of us. I just know He and his comrades would so appreciate your beautiful blog today.
Hugs!