Memorial Day weekend arrives. For many it is a three day holiday consisting of perhaps a mini-vacation, a picnic or barbeque in the yard, an outing to a beach or lake or even to an amusement park. Many will be glued to the television to watch the Indy Race. Also it seems that the Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of summer, even though summer does not begin until June 21st.
There are those who tend to forget the reason for this holiday. It is a solemn holiday to remember those who served in the military with pride and valor who no longer are with us. It is a day to remember those making the ultimate sacrifice by shedding their blood and giving their lives as they fought for freedom and liberty.
Memorial Day weekend, veteran’s organizations and communities will hold parades and services to remember those slumbering in their final rest. Flags will be lowered to half-mast, a moment of silence will be held, a rifle squad will fire a twenty-one gun volley and the haunting sound of “Taps” played by a bugler.
Upon the graves of veterans organizations will place a small flag. The local American Legion will have poppies available this time of year. Wreaths will be placed at monuments of war; speeches will be given at many memorial services.
Taking an hour or two out of the weekend to attend an event remembering those who have gone to their final rest in the service of our nation is a small gesture on your part to say “thank-you” for the freedom to enjoy this three day holiday weekend.
Until next time…..buy a poppy if you can and pause for a moment of silence for those who have given their all.
THEY GAVE WITHOUT RECOURSE
©Scottie-ann Murphy
Dedicated to: All Voyageurs, Grand du Florida, who passed
On in the 2015-2016 Year
Under grassy covered mounds
Forever slumbering in final rest
Lies one who made the supreme sacrifice
Upon their grave a flag placed
To let everyone know
That a hero sleeps below
Without reservation or recourse
Answering the call of our nation
Off to war…proudly marching
To avenge tyranny and oppression
Fighting for freedom and democracy
On the cold waters of the sea,
In the sky and on land
Many would never know just how the day ended
As they perished in battle
THEY GAVE THEIR ALL
Without hesitation to preserve
The freedom enjoyed today
MEMORIAL DAY……..
More than a day off work
Much more than barbeques, picnics,
Outings at the beach or lake
MEMORIAL DAY…..
It belongs to those who gave their lives
In the service of our country
We show our honor and respect
By attending services, lowering the flag to half-mast
Firing a twenty-one gun volley
And listen to the haunting sound of “Taps”
For us they gave their all,
For them a grateful nation gives thanks
With a moment of silence to those who
Slumber below
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