I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that Memorial Day is not merely the first day of summer break, an excuse to grill or a day stores have big sales. It's something much bigger than that and infinitely more important.
In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
A few links I'd like to share:
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/
http://www.wwiimemorial.com/
I registered Dad with the Memorial while it was still under construction, this is how he's listed:
James E. McCann
BRANCH OF SERVICE U.S. Army
HOMETOWN Hominy, OK HONORED BYMs. Mary Ann Mccann-Cardwell, Daughter
ACTIVITY DURING WWII F COMPANY, 23RD INFANTRY. SERVED AT OMAHA BEACH, JUNE 6, 1944. INJURED JUNE 30, 1944 AT ST. LO, FRANCE.
More links:
http://thewall-usa.com/
http://www.bluestarmothers.org/
We went to a Memorial Day service yesterday at one of the main cemeteries in the Tulsa area, it has the largest number of veterans buried there and always has ceremonies on Memorial Day, July 4th and Veteran's Day. It was a wonderful, touching, moving and very emotional ceremony. Our friend Larry who passed away in March was a veteran, Army, and he is buried there. Part of the ceremony includes a flag raising ceremony for each veteran who has passed away in the last year. The families Larry's flag was raised by his wife, Lin.
There was a flyover by two Vietnam era helicopters - they are huge! A little boy was seated a couple of aisles in front of us, he might have been about 5 years old. He was so cute, he was so amazed at the site of those two big choppers and even over the roar I think everyone in the audience heard him say "AWESOME!"
There was also a reenactment of the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - the Broken Arrow Civil Air Patrol is the ONLY group in the country that has the official approval of Arlington National Cemetary and has been trained by the actual guards. Most of the Civil Air Patrol group are teenagers. They were absolutely perfect. They also will reenact the changing of the guard, round the clock - every hour - from yesterday morning (Saturday) until tomorrow evening.
Let's all pause for a moment tomorrow and think about what it means. 3:00 p.m. Monday is the official Moment of Silence to remember & pray for the Heroes who've gone on, whether in battle or not.
I miss you Dad.
In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
A few links I'd like to share:
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/
http://www.wwiimemorial.com/
I registered Dad with the Memorial while it was still under construction, this is how he's listed:
James E. McCann
BRANCH OF SERVICE U.S. Army
HOMETOWN Hominy, OK HONORED BYMs. Mary Ann Mccann-Cardwell, Daughter
ACTIVITY DURING WWII F COMPANY, 23RD INFANTRY. SERVED AT OMAHA BEACH, JUNE 6, 1944. INJURED JUNE 30, 1944 AT ST. LO, FRANCE.
More links:
http://thewall-usa.com/
http://www.bluestarmothers.org/
We went to a Memorial Day service yesterday at one of the main cemeteries in the Tulsa area, it has the largest number of veterans buried there and always has ceremonies on Memorial Day, July 4th and Veteran's Day. It was a wonderful, touching, moving and very emotional ceremony. Our friend Larry who passed away in March was a veteran, Army, and he is buried there. Part of the ceremony includes a flag raising ceremony for each veteran who has passed away in the last year. The families Larry's flag was raised by his wife, Lin.
There was a flyover by two Vietnam era helicopters - they are huge! A little boy was seated a couple of aisles in front of us, he might have been about 5 years old. He was so cute, he was so amazed at the site of those two big choppers and even over the roar I think everyone in the audience heard him say "AWESOME!"
There was also a reenactment of the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - the Broken Arrow Civil Air Patrol is the ONLY group in the country that has the official approval of Arlington National Cemetary and has been trained by the actual guards. Most of the Civil Air Patrol group are teenagers. They were absolutely perfect. They also will reenact the changing of the guard, round the clock - every hour - from yesterday morning (Saturday) until tomorrow evening.
Let's all pause for a moment tomorrow and think about what it means. 3:00 p.m. Monday is the official Moment of Silence to remember & pray for the Heroes who've gone on, whether in battle or not.
I miss you Dad.
2 comments:
When my church has a military person come back from serving overseas, we all show our appreciation to them and a special prayer of thanks is said.
we also say a prayer for all the service people who are still overthere.
i miss Dad too.
Today at church it was a special ceremony for Memorial Day. One of the prayers was read by the mother in law of a local soldier who was killed. I think nearly everyone in the church was in tears at that.
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