“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Day 2015





Memorial Day is different for every individual. It can be a happy and joyful day for some and a reminder of a crushing loss for others. There has been some debate on social media about using "Happy" to describe Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it used to be called. I've had many a happy "Memorial Day" but I also understand why many despise the phrase. I still have relatives in the military, so I can see both sides of the issue.

Some of us enjoy picnics and time with family and friends and view the day as the gateway to summer. Often this is the annual trip family members make to visit the cemetery to place flowers at the relatives and ancestors graves. I think there are many emotions involved in this day, happiness, bittersweet memories and outright grief.

So be mindful of others and let us not forget the true reason for this Holiday. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

I have fond but bittersweet memories as a child in a small town, placing little American flags on the grave-sites in our local cemetery. Many other local children took part in this somber activity. My Father and Grandfather were both veterans and would usually take part in the ceremony as well. I still remember the trumpet playing the song "Taps". If you've forgotten the lyrics, I found them at www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/taps.html and posted them below.

Before you go off on your happy party or picnic with family and friends, just take a few moments to remember those who fought and died for you and your loved ones.

Taps
© Pennsylvania Military College

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.




Thank you all for visiting today.
          ~~~ Diane ~~~


8 comments:

  1. Yes, I've seen wishes for "Happy Memorial Day" on some American blogs and it doesn't seem right to me. In Canada we would never say "Happy Remembrance Day" (our equivalent holiday) because there is nothing happy about remembering war dead.

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  2. Lovely tribute and beautiful music.

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  3. Hearing Taps always brings me to tears, much in the same way the Amazing Grace affects me. Though I understand those two songs have different meanings. My greeting is always, I wish you a Thoughtful Memorial Day. It's a beautiful May Day outside, but I've spent much of this afternoon inside watching WWII in HD on History Channel. Graphic and thought provoking. War is ugly. That's an enormous understatement. History has much to teach us if we'd only listen...

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  4. So well stated Diane! I actually wish the gateway weekend to the summer was a separate date from Memorial Day. That said, yes we can still enjoy our picnics and get togethers, as long as we take time to remember and honor our service members. Great post!

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  5. Hi Diane,

    A poignant, balanced post, my thoughtful friend. No matter where we are, even a moment's reflection to remember those who died for our freedom, worldwide, is something we must all embrace.

    Hugs and hope for a better future,

    Gary

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  6. Loved the song, so beautiful , you have created the post very nicely :)

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  7. Thank you for the post. It is a nice reminder to everyone that it's not about sales and a three day weekend.

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