In Memorial...A Day to Remember Our Fallen Heros

So it's Memorial Day and for many people that means that today is the "official" start of summer, the start of beach weekends and good times that will last until Labor Day, which signals the end of summer for so many.  But today I'm going to take a moment to think about what Memorial Day really means...and I hope you do too.

Inscription at the WWII Memorial, Washington, D.C.

The history of Memorial Day begins during the Civil War and continues to this day.  I'm sure that each and every one of us has seen folks from the American Legion out selling the artificial poppies, reminding us all of Flanders Fields, and supporting veterans.  When I was a little girl I can remember not understanding the significance of such a pretty red flower and the concept behind Memorial Day.  In our little town there was always a Memorial Day Parade and the Legion always had a "poppy girl," usually the daughter or grand-daughter of a vet who rode in a convertible and waved at people.  I was that girl...and I hated it...mainly because it rained and I was cold and wet in that convertible and I was probably 4 at the time.  I hadn't read In Flanders Fields (reprinted below), I didn't know that the poppies were the symbol of the holiday because of all those men who died and were buried in fields flowing with poppies, but I know that now. 

WWI Memorial Washington, D.C.

Korean War Memorial

My grandfather was a vet, he lied about his age, dropped out of high school and served in the Navy during WWII.  Then during the Korean War he served again, spending time in combat situations both times.  I am blessed that he came back from both alive, or I would not be here today.  I celebrate him on Veterans Day, but today, Memorial Day, we celebrate the memories of those we lost to war.  It always strikes me as odd when people talk about how today is about celebrating those who served, it's a day to honor the dead, not a day for all Vets.  It's also weird to me when we wish people a "Happy Memorial Day," since for me the day is tinged with the loss.

Korean War Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Last year I was in Washington, D.C. for the holiday, and I must admit that as beautiful as the memorials for vets of the wars are any day of the year, on Memorial Day weekend they will break your heart.  You will see tough men break down and weep along "the wall," there will be grandfathers standing amongst the statues at the Korean Memorial choking up as they talk about waging war there, and the really old timers standing along the pool at the WWII Memorial thinking back 60+ years to when they were boys fighting around the world.  Then you can go to Arlington, seeing those simple white stones, each with a single flag, often surrounded by the people who love those buried in those honored grounds. 

WWII Memorial - Washington, D.C.

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Pearl Harbor Memorial

Every year I watch the Memorial Day Celebration with the D.C. Pops held at the Capital Building.  It always moves me, the stories they tell of brave men (and now women) who serve this country and do remarkable things in the face of danger.  So today, on Memorial Day, I hope that you observe a moment of silence to thank the men and women who fight for our freedoms, our way of life, our American Dreams, and didn't come home to their families.  Today is not a day about politics, it is taking one day a year to say THANK YOU to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, observe a moment of silence, and be inspired to make the world a better place, just like they all aspired to do.
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In Flanders Fields John McCrae, 1915.

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