In America, today is Memorial Day, 2013.
Every Memorial Day I take time to remember why we celebrate. Many years ago, it was known as Decoration Day. That's because it was the day families and friends laid wreaths and other patriotic decorations on the graves of loved ones....those who died in wars.
Some men came home from wars, but many others did not. I am alive today because of one man that did not make it home....my mother's first husband. He was killed during WWII, and although that was heartbreaking for her and her two young daughters, my brother, Mike, and I wouldn't be here if that hadn't happened. A few years later, she met and married our father. When Mike and I were born, we already had an instant family....one that consisted of two teenage sisters for us!
During our barbecues, picnics, and parties celebrating the beginning of summer, let's remember why it's possible that all of us are here today.
I don't write a political blog, but I will say this, if you've never been to Washington, DC and seen Arlington Cemetery and/or the Vietnam Wall, you've missed out on a couple of extremely powerful sights. You will surely have chills......
*I will announce the winner of the book give-away tomorrow, May 28th *
"I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, 'Mother, what was war?' " ~ Eve Merriam
I have been to Arlington, to the Vietnam Wall, to Gettysburg, Shiloh,and Vicksburg...all moving. I have been to the cemetery south of the Robert Lincoln home in Vermont and remember it as a wonderfully peaceful cemetery. I have been to the cemetery at Wounded Knee and found it one of the saddest places. Places of remembering death and warriors and suffering...always make me sad.
ReplyDeleteYou've been to many places, Bookie! And yes, how can we not feel tremendous sadness when we visit war cemeteries?
DeleteWhat a nice post Becky. Good to remember how/why we're here. I love the quote you picked. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Myrna!
DeleteLovely post and quote.
ReplyDeleteHi Terra! Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteThat quote is awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! I agree!
DeleteUnfortunately, the only visit I made to our Nation's capitol and Arlington occurred when I was a (self-involved) child; too young to grasp the enormity. A return, at least to Arlington and to stand before the Wall, is definitely on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteHave yourself a wonderful new week!
Hi Mevely! Good to see you again! Don't feel guilty about not understanding the enormity of those things....You were a typical child! I hope you do achieve your bucket list visits!
DeleteYou have a wonderful week, too!
Hi Becky....I'm glad you are here, too! Hope your Memorial Day was delightful. Susan
ReplyDeleteHi Susan! Thank you....you made me smile knowing you're glad I'm here, too! :)
DeleteI am very glad that you are here Becky! A very nice post!
ReplyDeleteHi Beth! You, too, made me smile! How sweet of friends to be happy that "I am here!" :)
DeleteI couldn't agree more with your post and I love the quote. Is it only we women that would be thrilled to see wars go away forever?
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Thanks, Pat. I've said it before, and maybe we've even discussed it together, but yes, wouldn't the world be a better place if the countries were ruled by women??
DeleteThat quote is WONDERFUL. If only...
ReplyDeleteHi EC! Thank you! I'm glad you like the quote, too. And yes....If only....!
Deletewhen i was a young teenager, we went to D.C. and visited everything! it was a sight to be seen!!
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy! Thanks so much for stopping and commenting. I visited D.C. when I was a teenager, too.....with my Girl Scout troop! But, I also visited about 15 years ago, and that's when I saw the Vietnam wall, some newer statues, and really saw the enormity of Arlington.
DeleteBecky,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in to my blog and saying hi!
The "follower" feed did not work out-there as a glitch so I eliminated it. Subscribing by email is a way to follow my blog...but I also share here and there on FB, Twitter and a few hops.
Congraats on your book-I see you havea memoir due out. How awesome!
Have a lovely day!
Chris
Hi Chris! Thank YOU for stopping by, too! And thank you for your congrats about my book....Hopefully it will actually be AVAILABLE sometime fairly soon!
DeleteBecky--I'm so glad I'm a follower of yours...otherwise, I might have missed this post.
ReplyDeleteHi Sioux! Thanks, I'm glad you're a follower, too! And thanks for stopping to comment.
DeleteI went to our small town's quiet service. It's a somber event remember those who have served and those who continue to serve. I'm glad such a holiday exists.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie! One year, my sister and I went to Greenfield, Iowa for Memorial Day weekend. It's the small town where my maternal grandparents lived (and I still love!)My sister also spent most of her youth there. We went to the ceremony at the cemetery and yes, it was very moving. And, yes, it is a very good thing to honor our country's servicemen/women. (and again on Veteran's Day)
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