Memorial Day 2014

Memorial Day weekend will be upon us in a few days.  I have always considered this the beginning of summer for some reason.  As I think about it, possibly it could be that the color white is acceptable to be worn after Memorial Day.  Memorial Day of course for some means a three day holiday weekend.  It is the first mini-trip of the season, the first backyard cookout and picnic in the park.  Children may see it as the holiday held right before the school season ends for the year.

Memorial Day weekend holds a special meaning for me.  As a veteran, it is attending services honoring the men and women who gave their all so we could enjoy the freedoms we have today.  Each year I attend a Memorial Day service held by a veteran’s organization.  Years ago I had participated by reading a piece I had written for the day.  Lately, I pass out the piece I composed for the current Memorial Day on a bookmarker to those attending the services.  This year will be no exception for along with the bookmarker I will give away American flag pins (as long as my supply holds out).

I take a few moments each day of the three day weekend and do my own personal tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice as well as remembering those who have returned after serving with pride and have passed on.  I read one of my poems from years past, say a silent thank-you and drink a toast to their memory.

 Please take a few moments out of the weekend to remember those who have died for our freedom.  Attend a service in your community, fly your flag proudly, purchase a poppy from the local veteran’s organization and remember that freedom is not free….it comes with a price.

  MEMORIAL DAY 2014 TRIBUTE

©Scottie-ann Murphy

Today we pay tribute to the brave sons and daughters of America

They answered the call to Uncle Sam to help defend our nation

Going off to war to fight for the cause of liberty and freedom

Upon foreign soils they made the ultimate sacrifice

The shedding of their blood….the giving of their lives

We should never forget that they did not search for glory

But for peace….to live free of tyranny and oppression

They served with pride….fought with valor and died heroically

We honor their memory with a silent prayer of thanks…..

The lowering of the flag to half-mast….firing of a twenty-one gun volley

And listen to the haunting melody as the bugler sounds “Taps”