Today, Memorial day, is of coarse the day set aside where we all recognize the people we owe for these high priced freedoms we so often take for granted, and far far too many of today too often abuse. 
To remember and celebrate the lives of those brave soldiers both here with us today and gone, yesterday we wish a great day and our heartfelt, yet far insufficient thanks for the incredible sacrifices they've given in our names, along with their lost brethren, be it by virtue of war or father time, yet still remain close in our thoughts and always in our hearts for what they have given for this country in it's short, but hero filled history.
A proud history seemingly buried from our children in schools today, which leaves it now a history left up to you and I to carry on and tell each and every day, particularly on days such as these.
Priceless gifts from 'them to us' that 'we must promise' will not fall to the obvious rise of soft tyranny in this nation from within that is at our doorsteps today.
I, we all thank you for all you do and have done for us.
God bless you all, and God Bless America.
Memorial Day 2010
click to honor your family's fallen at the White House FB page here.
Memorial Day History
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) —established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.
Maj. Gen. John A. Logan (Chicago Statue Pictured) declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee.
Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery,strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.
If only our schools would fully teach the meaning of Memorial Day and Veterans Day half as respectably as the blogs I visit.
ReplyDeleteGod bless the American soldier.
God bless America.
The last, best hope of the entire planet.
BZ
Ray, what a great tribute your banner is for today, beautiful!
ReplyDelete