THE MUFFLED drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on Life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
On Fame's eternal camping-ground 5
Their silent tents are spread,
And Glory guards, with solemn round,
The bivouac of the dead.
Bivouac Of The Dead, by Theodore O'Hara
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of Summer, pool parties, traveling, vacations, outdoor barbecues, the gathering of friends and of families.
There is nothing wrong with an extra long weekend or a paid day off from work.
Did we forget the reasoning behind it all?
Memorial Day or Decoration Day as it was once called, is a time for us as a nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.
The first grand observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery.
Although the name and date of the observance of Memorial Day has changed over the years, it is still a day to honor our fallen soldiers. Those fought, sacrificed and gave their lives for us so that we as a nation could remain free. That is the least we can do to remember and honor them.
More history of this day: http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp
A true patriot Daniel Serik writes:
On this Day all will have an opportunity to Honor in Remembrance those that have laid down their lives for Freedom throughout the world. I often ponder their courage, their selflessness; how they endured their last moment of life. I can define courage and selflessness, but I know nothing of a warrior's last breath. I am sure the brother or sister that cradled him or her knows. What I do know is that another valiant son or daughter of America is lost. Another family is stricken with abysmal grief. How do they celebrate Memorial Day? I believe these brave souls, be the warrior or rescue swimmer, are worthy of an Hour of Honor.
Unfortunately, far too many act as if it is just a day to shop or party. You can judge this by the few homes that place a Flag. Be that as it may. I and other Patriots will assemble to Honor those that have made the Supreme Sacrifice. This is our debt to them, it is the very least we can do. We share in the joys of America, we must also share in the heartaches. To give an hour is nothing compared to what has been lost. I encourage all to attend in this Hour of Honor, your hearts will be lifted. As Americans this is our duty, they fulfilled theirs!
On this Day all will have an opportunity to Honor in Remembrance those that have laid down their lives for Freedom throughout the world. I often ponder their courage, their selflessness; how they endured their last moment of life. I can define courage and selflessness, but I know nothing of a warrior's last breath. I am sure the brother or sister that cradled him or her knows. What I do know is that another valiant son or daughter of America is lost. Another family is stricken with abysmal grief. How do they celebrate Memorial Day? I believe these brave souls, be the warrior or rescue swimmer, are worthy of an Hour of Honor.
Unfortunately, far too many act as if it is just a day to shop or party. You can judge this by the few homes that place a Flag. Be that as it may. I and other Patriots will assemble to Honor those that have made the Supreme Sacrifice. This is our debt to them, it is the very least we can do. We share in the joys of America, we must also share in the heartaches. To give an hour is nothing compared to what has been lost. I encourage all to attend in this Hour of Honor, your hearts will be lifted. As Americans this is our duty, they fulfilled theirs!
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