girlfriends
Ali
Jayme
Jenna
Suzanne

theirspace
Chad
Jayme
Michelle

previous posts
Old ghosts.
Krayzie.
Dairy Queen abuse.
Desktop.
Flesh balloons.
Door protocol.
For shame.
How to banquet.
Philandering philanderers.
In the ether.



Monday, May 29, 2006

Memorial Day.


One of the things I love most about today is the flag display rules. In the morning, the national ensign is at half-staff. We remember those who have given their lives for our country; we offer them our respect and thanks by lowering our flag for their sacrifice.
At noon, we raise the flag again. Not slowly with solemn ceremony, but briskly and with strong resolve. We are a nation that mourns and remembers, but we are also a nation of strength and pride. The sacrifice we stop to contemplate is part of what has made us strong. We cannot remember one without also celebrating the other.

One thing I think a lot of people forget is that Memorial Day is not Veteran's Day. Yes, thank you to all our servicemen and women, but today is not about thanking you for your service. Today is about remembering the sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, who have died in service to our country. Their loss affects us all, and is cause for our nation as a whole to stop and lift up our gratitude.

On Memorial Day, I also like to remember those on the homefront who have lost loved ones. Families make a sacrifice too, but often all they have to show for it is a Gold Star. It makes me so happy to see servicemembers thanked by civilians for their service, but I wonder how many of us stop to thank the wife, the child, the parent as well. Thank you, loved ones, and let us remember your loss together on this day.

To the ghosts upon whose shoulders our great nation stands, Thank You.
posted by hilary at 10:49 AM |

3 Comments:

Blogger Renee said...

I like it. We had the great oppurtunity of being at The Wall for the Memorial Day ceremonies and it was beautiful.

6/01/2006 12:54 PM  
Blogger Roy said...

Amen sister.

6/04/2006 9:59 PM  
Blogger Kristine said...

Great post!

6/07/2006 9:31 PM  

Post a Comment

Links to this post:

Create a Link

<< Home