These past few days, I've noticed many of my Facebook friends posting things like this: "Have a great weekend, everybody! Remember to honor the veterans!"
I am an enormous supporter of those veterans who have served our country with bravery and pride. I'm actually married to one of them. But even my husband will tell you that this day is NOT about him, nor any of the military men and women who are living today.
Today is Memorial Day. It's the day we remember those who died while serving in wartime (hence, the "memorial" part). Memorial Day was originally known as "Decoration Day" and was created shortly after the Civil War to honor those who lost their lives during that conflict. Following World War I, it was extended to include ALL fallen soldiers from all of our wars.
My earliest memories of Memorial Day involve the parade that was held each year in my hometown of Northfield, Ohio. I marched in it with my Girl Scout troupe, then my softball team, and later, with the high school marching band. The parade would always conclude at the town cemetery, where a short ceremony would be held, then the playing of "Taps" by two high school trumpet players. One of them would stand near the speaker and play the first few notes, the other would be placed further back in the cemetery, hidden from view. He'd echo the notes just played by the first trumpeter. Even when I was small and couldn't quite grasp the brevity of this ceremony, the sound of those mournful trumpets made a permanent impression on my young heart.
Today, I'm old enough to understand the enormous sacrifice that these soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and their families have made for my freedom. So, on this day especially, I'd like say "thank you." I won't forget what you did, nor will I ever take for granted the liberty that you defended with your life.
Here's a video that I believe did a pretty decent job of explaining what today's about. Hope you like it, and that you have a very Happy Memorial Day!
I am an enormous supporter of those veterans who have served our country with bravery and pride. I'm actually married to one of them. But even my husband will tell you that this day is NOT about him, nor any of the military men and women who are living today.
Today is Memorial Day. It's the day we remember those who died while serving in wartime (hence, the "memorial" part). Memorial Day was originally known as "Decoration Day" and was created shortly after the Civil War to honor those who lost their lives during that conflict. Following World War I, it was extended to include ALL fallen soldiers from all of our wars.
My earliest memories of Memorial Day involve the parade that was held each year in my hometown of Northfield, Ohio. I marched in it with my Girl Scout troupe, then my softball team, and later, with the high school marching band. The parade would always conclude at the town cemetery, where a short ceremony would be held, then the playing of "Taps" by two high school trumpet players. One of them would stand near the speaker and play the first few notes, the other would be placed further back in the cemetery, hidden from view. He'd echo the notes just played by the first trumpeter. Even when I was small and couldn't quite grasp the brevity of this ceremony, the sound of those mournful trumpets made a permanent impression on my young heart.
Today, I'm old enough to understand the enormous sacrifice that these soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and their families have made for my freedom. So, on this day especially, I'd like say "thank you." I won't forget what you did, nor will I ever take for granted the liberty that you defended with your life.
Here's a video that I believe did a pretty decent job of explaining what today's about. Hope you like it, and that you have a very Happy Memorial Day!
