On Saturday I drove over to a local cemetery to pay my respects to a few people.
OK, that's a lie.
It's a really old cemetery and I like to take photos of the old gravestones. Call me weird, but I love the architecture of the old monuments.
They just don't make gravestones like they used to.
Anyhow, I drove past the military section and, as always, I was struck by the shear number of graves of fallen soldiers.
So, so many graves.
So, so many flags.
So, so many families that received a telegram, phone call or knock on the door.
It really makes you stop and think . . .
Not to get all preachy on you here, but on this day of picnics and 40% off sales take time to remember what the holiday is really about.
Shelly
In memory of my Father who was a disabled veteran, Thank you for this post!
Blessings
Pam Spencer
I agree with Fonda. It is a shame many people don't stop to ponder and give thanks and
gratitude to those who were and are so brave to serve our country. God Bless them all.
Colleen
Well said, Pam. Well said!
Fonda Rush
I hate to see the phrase "Happy Memorial Day". The people (and companies) that use it just don't get it. While there is some happiness to the day, as in remembering people who have died and being able to memorialize them, the phrase "Happy Memorial Day" just doesn't apply the same as perhaps "Happy Mothers' Day". It's just different. More of a solemn event. And, people need to realize that.
Jenny
Just got back last night from a car trip through Iowa and was happily amazed at seeing all the little tiny towns that seem to go all out with flags and ceremonies for Memorial Day. Beautiful.
taryterre
Old cemeteries are full of character and definitely worth a photo or two. Today we all should stop for just a moment and remember.
Jamie Longson
And it's our veterans that are the ones that put up and take down those flags ~ my son was in the Young Marines and they would join with the task every Veterans and Memorial Day. Just something to think about - while we are all so thankful for their sacrifices and our own freedom it's their fellow soldiers honoring them.
Pam
I watched a video of soldiers putting the flags on in Washington D.C. and they took such care pausing for a moment before they put the flag exactly one bootstep from the headstone. You could tell they really cared about what they were doing and saw it as a privilege!
Jamie Longson
They really do consider it a privilege ~ no one else can know better what they have been through and the real sacrifices they made than another service member. My son is getting ready to leave for Marine Corps boot camp August 8th. I couldn't be more proud or terrified for him. <3
Lynn
Thank you for your thoughtful post!
Erica
Awesome posts and pictures, Pam. It is really easy to forget about what this holiday is all about when it's so focused on barbecues and sales at the mall!
Donna
You're right. About the men and women that proudly served our country giving much more than most of us ever will, and also on there being way too many of these graves all over the nation. True, also, about the stones in cemeteries being different in years past...
Oh, and on strawberries, too...why is it we overdose ourselves on these wonderful berries??? Don't know but I do it, too!!
Thanks for your posts...I don't comment often, but you're one of my favorite sites to linger on with each post you share.
Pam
Thanks for commenting, Donna! BTW, our grocery store had a huge display of strawberries and angel food cakes sitting right by the entrance today. I couldn't even look at it 🙂 I bet I'll be craving them in a few weeks though!
Donna
probably as soon as they go out of season? That is how it is with me! LOL