Friday, May 23, 2008
"They are not dead who live in lives they leave behind. In those whom they have blessed they live a life again."—Eleanor Roosevelt
It’s been over a year since we lost John – I still can’t believe he’s gone – I was cleaning out the shed recently and came across a memento of a concert he and Eric attended – it’s funny the things we hold on to. When I stopped to remember the fun times we had it hurt to think about the loss but I am glad to have some tangible memories to share with the boys later. I truly admire Julie and the girls as well as Kate, Bob and Susan for all they have endured and yet are doing so well – their strength amazes me, we are truly blessed to know and be loved by them. The boys and I talk of John often and while we can’t make it to VA to visit John’s grave this weekend we will be remembering him. As we enjoy the long weekend and nice weather I will be sure to remind the boys WHY we have a holiday. I hope everyone else will take time to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and take time out to observe the holiday as it was intended and remember those we have lost.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It’s a day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.
“ Last Monday in May”©
By
John T. Bird
We pause to remember those who died
With so much courage, so much pride
They’ll never come back, yet memories endure
To remind us of freedom: fragile, pure
We’re worthy of their sacrifice if we pause each day
Not just on the last Monday in May
©John T. Bird, copyright 2006
