Remember loved ones on Memorial Day...

[VF21]

This Monday we celebrate Memorial Day. If you'd like to learn more about the holiday, please check out this website:

http://www.usmemorialday.org/

I would just like to remember Mike Blakely and Ned Davis. They were very good friends of mine in my graduating class at Highlands High School and both gave their lives in Vietnam.

If anyone else has lost someone in service to this country I think it would be nice to mention their names. It's said that if you speak the name of the dead, they will live on - at least in memory.

Well, Ned and Mike...it's been a lot of years but I remember you both.

Ned, you made me laugh in English class so many times ...

Mike, you taught me that people of different colors aren't really that different inside.

Thank you both and God Bless you.

 

[loopymitch]

I'd like to remember my dad Willie West. I love you and miss you every day. I loved our times doing logic puzzles together and also my uncle Norman. I wish I'd known you better. RIP. God bless all of those who fought for their country and those still doing it today.

 

[Londonking]

As we remember all those who bravely gave their lives, so that we can enjoy our freedom....

An anonymous poem whose origins remain a mystery.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

 

[SacKingsFX]

coolourtroops.com is worth visiting yall

 

[VF21]

As we remember all those who bravely gave their lives, so that we can enjoy our freedom....

An anonymous poem whose origins remain a mystery.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Thank you, LondonKing. A very moving poem...and one I will remember for a long time.

 

[VF21]

I received another poem today, from Larry Davies, the minister of a church in Virginia, and originator of one of my favorite websites, www.sowingseedsoffaith.com. A member of his congregation named Amber Young wrote it and I'm taking the opportunity to share it today:

"Long May We Remember" By: Amber R. Young

Long may we remember as we stand upon this ground,
the men who heard the call to serve from big and tiny towns.
Standing on the front porch they said their last goodbyes.
And while they marched they turned around, to see their loved ones cry.

Long may we remember the dear women tried and true.
They served for their convictions and they served for honor too.
Some were mothers, some were wives living in their prime,
Some were daddy's little girl, dying well before their time.

Long may we remember how they marveled at their task.
With uncompromising courage, they'd do what they were asked.
Some would travel many miles defending foreign sand.
Others had a mission to support their motherland.

Long may we remember how they flew across the lines.
They touched down in the dark of night with one thing on their minds.
Pushing back their thoughts of home, they overcame great fears.
Vehemently they took a stand. Their loyalty was clear.

Long may we remember how they pushed each barrier back.
Commanders sent a squad ahead to safeguard the attack.
And in what seemed an instant, the rockets soared in flight,
with soldiers standing dauntless, as they witnessed such a sight.

Long may we remember how the guns were set for aim.
The missiles rode through choppy waves. Torpedoes did the same.
Not all shots were hit or miss, but the bloodshed still raged on,
until that fateful moment, when the death bell chimed a throng.

Long may we remember how the ships went down at sea.
Their captives saw a watery grave instead of victory.
Surveying all the damage was more than we could bear.
It was so hard to understand why their lives could not be spared.

Long may we remember when we heard the fateful news.
Someone had made a huge mistake or else it was a ruse.
Then as the truth was dawning, we realized the cost
For what we gained in liberty, in lives we took a loss.

Long may we remember all the dear ones who have passed
Each one of them were gems to God. Our love for them will last.
And while the flag is flying, we salute them one and all,
the men and women of this land, who heard the freedom call.

Long may we remember.

---------------

Larry added this message to his email: To many, Memorial Day weekend is just another three day holiday offering the chance to be with friends and celebrate. That's okay, but please don't forget the cost of this special day: Memorial Day. A day designed to honor the brave men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in order to defend the liberty we often take for granted. Amber Young says it best: "Long may we remember."

 

[Mad D]

I visited my grandpa's grave today. I wasn't sad but I started to tear uncontrollably.

 

[VF21]

Sometimes, Mad D, tears simply reflect the memories of people we've lost. We aren't necessarily sad but we do feel bittersweet about not being able to add new memories of people we've loved...