We have enjoyed a wonderful day here in Alabama with family and friends. We enjoyed talking of loved ones who have gone on before us and my dads stories of the war. He told my children of the ship (my dad was in the Navy) and the life of the other people he encountered and the way the war had touched their life. We know that without his courage and the courage of others, our freedoms would be few if none.........Thanks Daddy and to the other men and women who give their lives for our freedom.
Tammy
Webster's Dictionary describes the word MEMORIAL as "something that keeps remembrance alive". The World Book Encyclopedia states that MEMORIAL DAY (or Decoration Day as it was formerly called) is a patriotic day to honor American Soldiers who have given their lives for their country. It is a legal holiday in most states. Flowers and flags are placed on graves of soldiers. Many organizations march in military parades and take part in special programs. Memorial Day originated during the Civil War.
TAPS
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies,
All is well, safely rest.
God is nigh.
Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear
Friend, good night.
Show your support for our fallen brothers and sisters. Fly your flag!
The Mother of a Soldier
The mother of a soldier --hats off to her, I say!
The mother of a soldier who has gone to face the fray;
She gave him to her country with a blessing on his head---
She found his name this morning in the long list of the dead:
"Killed -- Sergeant Thomas Watkins, while leading on the rest,
A Bible in his pocket and a portrait on his breast!"
The mother of a soldier -- she gave him to her land;
She saw him on the trasport as he waved his sun-browned hand;
She kissed him through the teardrops and she told him to be brave;
Her prayers went night and morning with her boy upon the wave.
The mother of a soldier -- her comfort and her joy,
She gave her dearest treasure when she gave her only boy;
She saw the banners waving, she heard the people cheer;
She clasped her hands and bravely looked away to hide a tear.
The mother of a soldier --ah! cheer the hero deed,
Cheer the brave who battle 'neath the banner of their creed;
But don't forget the mothers, through all the lonely years
That fight the bravest battles on the sunless field of tears.
Nay, don't forget the mothers -- the mothers of our men,
Who see them go and never know that they'll come back again;
That give them to their country, to battle and to die,
Because the bugles call them and the starry banners fly.
The mother of a soldier -- hats off to her, I say!
Whose head is bowed in sorrow with its tender locks of gray.
She gave without regretting, though her old heart sorely bled
When she found his name this morning in the long list of the dead:
"Killed -- Sergeant Thomas Watkins, while leading on the rest,
His dear old mother's portrait clasped upon his hero breast!"
--Folger McKinsey
We give thanks on Memorial Day that we live in a free nation and honor those who gave their lives for that blessing. The selection of May 30th is attributed to a Virginian of French descent, Cassandra Oliver Moncure, who may have selected this date because it was "The Day of Ashes" in France-the day that Napoleon's remains were returned to France from St. Helena. The custom of placing flowers on graves is an old one that exists in many countries. Today, almost everywhere around the globe, people have a special day to honor those who gave their lives in battle.
Eulogy for a Veteran
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the Gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
-Author Unknown
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