Remembering...

"We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies."
~Moina Michaels~
(In response to Flander's Fields)
We started the Memorial Day weekend remembering our family hero, my late dear husband, a missed father, brother, friend, and precious human being.

A Memorial Scholarship for an Outstanding Army Cadet was set up, after his death, at the University where Chris and I received our Officer Commissioning.  My oldest son and I make the long trek each year to award the scholarship, going on it's 17th year. Being at the forefront of Memorial Day weekend these past few years makes it all the more meaningful.
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15: 13)

The award continues to be a blessing...Chris' parents who lost 2 of their 4 sons, through seperate tragedies, can smile through their pain.

Another link is added to a perpetual chain, breathing life from the past, into the present and beyond to the future. 

My stomach and heart never fail to ache as I give my speech each year...

But we always drive away striving to love those around us more truly, stronger and deeply.  "If we truly want to love, we must give until it hurts."~Blessed Teresa of Calcutta~

Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed at the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. On this day we honor all who have died in service of our nation.

Dear Heavenly Father,
With a sober heart we come before You this Memorial Day. We pause for a moment and call to mind all the men and women who have died in the service of our nation since 1776.
Dear God, please look with mercy on our brave and selfless brothers and sisters, who did not shirk from their task but gave themselves completely to the cause of defending and protecting us all. Bless all who have given their lives for the sake of liberty, and grant them eternal rest with You.
We remember also our brave men and women now serving in our Armed Forces, both at home and abroad. Dear God, send out Your angels to protect them all. Help them discharge their duties honorably and well. Please bring them safely home to their families and loved ones. Please bring Your peace and mercy to our troubled world.
We ask this, Father, in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Take a Moment to Reflect and Pray:
To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December 2000 asking all Americans at 3 p.m. local time "to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps'."


Other Ways to Observe This Day:
Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
Visit local memorials.
Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
Fly the POW/MIA Flag
Pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen soldiers, and to aid the disabled veterans
(Prayer reposted from the Autom Company)



Memorial Day...Visiting & Remembering

Memorial Day on the Feast of the Visitation

We are visiting and remembering...

It is said that a visitation is something more than a simple visit but an encounter that carries an exceptional meaning.  I am reflecting on this exceptional meeting between Our Blessed Mother and her cousin Elizabeth...

And since it is Memorial Day we were also visiting.  Though our visit was not an exceptional meeting, it was an encounter with something meaningful, beyond ourselves.  Visiting the hallowed graves of those who have sacrificed their lives was the least we could do in thanksgiving for our many freedoms. 

Listening to soldiers speak of honor, duty, and their faith in God was a blessing today.  God was certainly front and center of their lives!

~Dear hubby served in the Marines so he enjoyed speaking to a Naval Veteran~

We are grateful for all who serve our country...past, present, and future!

*Keeping my brother and his family close at heart, who are currently serving in the Army*

Several generations share in this day of remembrance...I always cry a river when they play Taps!

Our family loves the red, white & blue! (How can they NOT when both Hubby & I wore combat boots!)

~Our Country's Flag...One Nation Under God

(Oldest and youngest placing their gratitude flags...)

Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all...~

Eternal rest grant them O' Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.

And a special remembrance of my late husband Chris who served his country proudly...

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."~John 15:13~

This is my new favorite quote:

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love." ~Mother Teresa~

~God Bless America

My Home, sweet home~

And the red, white, & blue poured out over our meals with this 

Patriotic Fruit Salad & Cake!

"Thank God!  Give him the praise and the glory.  Before all the living, acknowledge the many good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song."~Tobit 12:6~