A Grateful Memorial Day

This post from 2011 is worth repeating.

Memorial Day is a somber & grateful day to show our appreciation for all those who have fought to defend America's liberty & way of life.

It should not be called a "Happy Memorial Day" celebration,
but one of deep respect & remembrance of those who died, fighting for their country.

As our nation pauses, amid the barbecue picnics & the games,
let us give thanks to the more than 1 million men & women who have given their lives so that we may remain free.

2008 Memorial Day Poster
 (Poster created by Virginia Reyes; U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.)

My ancestors fought in both the Revolutionary War & the Civil War.

 My father served his country in the Army during WWII & never spoke a word about it. 

My husband & both of his brothers enlisted in the Navy to fight in that same war.

 My oldest brother made a lifetime career of serving his country in the Air Force. 

My second oldest brother served in the Air Force in Vietnam, helping to rescue the wounded via helicopter. 

My sister's 4 sons were all Marines at one time, like their father before them.

I can remember when my Mom had 4 Blue Stars showing in her kitchen window, to mark the 4 members of our family that were all serving in some capacity of the military at the same time.

We'll be watching my 3 grandchildren march in our local Memorial Day parade tomorrow.

 The oldest is in the high school band & will play at both the nearby cemetery as well as the flag raising ceremony on the green. 

The middle grandson & his dad will be marching with his Boy Scout troop. 

Sweet little Ms. C. will be riding on her Girl Scout troop's float. 

We'll be sitting in the shade, waving flags & clapping for all of them.
                                       

I hope you have a GRATEFUL Memorial Day, no matter where you'll be.
Make sure to Honor the people that this day represents.

fondly,
Rett

I'm linking up to The Tablescaper's
"Seasonal Sundays"