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Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day


Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have perished serving our country in the armed services.  Originally it was called 'Decoration Day', and the history of this day goes back to the Civil War when former slaves honored Union Soldiers.  With World War I, the holiday was extended to all Americans who have died in all wars.  In these modern times, Memorial Day has evolved to be a day of remembrance for all those who are gone from us, military or civilian. 

As a teenager, I can remember going with my parents to Scenic Hill cemetery to lay flowers at my grandparent's graves.  My friend, Diane, was with us. Diane and I walked through the cemetery, reading the headstones and in a expression of compassion, or thievery, I don't know which, we felt badly for the graves that didn't have flowers on them so we 'borrowed' flowers from those graves that did and put them on the empty graves.


Cemeteries do not bother me.  Okay, maybe if it was after dark and I was alone, but then again, wouldn't most places these days make us all a bit nervous after dark?  I happen to think that cemeteries are very interesting.  There is a lot of history within a cemetery. Whether beautifully groomed or crumbling, gravestones are pretty.

There is only one thing in this world that really, really creeps me out ...

... That would be eggs.  Icky, gross, nasty eggs.

This would be a testament to how I feel about my dog and how much I spoil her.  I am more than willing to make her scrambled eggs to mix into her dry dog food as a special treat.

Anyway ~


These days it seems that Memorial Day more about an extra day off from work, great weekend sales at the mall, and the knowledge that it is now okay to wear white pants than about remembering our fallen.

This morning, about 11am, I wanted to dash into town.  The town square was all decked out in American Flags and I wanted to take some pictures.  Randy and Roxy decided to go with me.  Unbeknownst to us, Mountain Home was having their Memorial Day festivities at the square right at that time.


This was not a large gathering by any means.  But that didn't make the speeches, the music and the tributes any less moving.  The statistic that I can't get out of my mind is that almost 2.5 million military personnel have either died or been wounded since 1775.


It can't be that difficult to come across a flag today.  When you do, say a prayer of gratitude to those who serve our country who can't be home today celebrating the start of summer with a hot dog, a cold (root) beer and their families.

Have the BEST day ever!
~ Dorothy


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