Within this post it's hard to summarize what Memorial Day is. America lives within a free state that is one of which is a democracy. I don't think one takes the day and looks at it as a happy day nor a day to be grieved.
Memorial Day renders not just war but the measure that those whom are within the service. Service for myself is that commodity whereby those are prepared and act when called upon to service their country. Those whom are within the service are those that never desire to be within action of war. Nor is there an eagerness to be at war. Yet they are prepared when and if necessary. Yet there have been wars which have taken place. I, myself, never look at what has been done as I don't think we know the real truths within a society now where we do ponder many areas of life which would include war.
Memorial Day is that value of honoring those in service and especially those whom have given their own lives for the very right of freedoms which we have. If it was not for the people whom have done so - we would not have the freedoms we have. Sometimes I wonder if we are too free. But within America, this is a day that is of memory. To remember those whom have served to enable the rights of freedom.
Integrity comes to mind and a few other things. Most of all it's the very fact that we can walk upon the soils that we have and enjoy them by way of the service which was done by those of the past and present. I can't say I wish you a Happy Memorial Day. As it's not applicable. The merit of this day is that of freedom. Freedom that enables us to live life within the very manner which is desired. Freedom as so well put by way of Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, and so many others which would include the average citizen. As all are enabled to voice their thoughts within a free state.
When I think of this day of honor, I think of those that did the service with the intention to maintain a society to be free and as sound as can be. Memorial Day is one which within the United States resonates.
From state to state, there is something to be proud of within these times. It's the very acts in which came from those whom served. When people serve they place other ahead of them. What I have found within my experience is there is a determination within those that have served and they placed others lives ahead of their own to enable freedom to reign.
To those which reside within the United States of America - this is a day of Memorial. A day of recognition to those which have served for the very freedoms that we so often tend to forget we have.
I wrote some time back for a young lady that was living during very hard times she lived within Iraq and was apart of this group I had while at the same time there was another member which was a Major within the United States Army. I still keep in touch with them from time to time but this was a write which I had done for both of them back at that time. Regardless both of them were ordinary people in life. Both desired freedom and a return of some peace.
This is from my old blog but I still believe it stands with some worthiness.
Day In No Day Out
She wakes up and it's the same thing
To try to maintain a ritual
Or routine or any kind of thing
It's not a fight against any country
A plight of her own
There's no paper at her doorstep
On the way to a market
She gets the necessities
While walking homebound
She does not shudder anymore
To the bombing from either side
She has seen too much
But yet carries a smile
Yet she looks into the blue sky
And does hope
That peace will survive and prevail
Not just for her land but for yours and mine
It's what keeps her motivated
But just like you and me
Only for a while - she is human
But the question is when
And it's now
Each and every day
Ironic as some of us are thinking the same
Irony and reality yes
For her and for many
The passives – the ordinary
Can be extrodinary
She lives over there what is there?
She has some of the same tastes
She has some that are different
She would love to share
But she is shy
To make any statement
As it could be shunned
Yet ironically she is a-cultured
And maybe the monuments standing
In all different lands
Stand for what she is about
However the fanatics and ignorance manipulate
They do no service rather make for disrgrace
Isnt it supposed to be for the good sided
of both sides of the coin?
Probably so but the coines toss to those
That wish it to toss only one way
Greed on both sides with power manipulation
The cat is on the cupboard
It wants to go out
So she softly puts him out
But watches cautiously
Till he is back in
And cuddle again
A warmth that is random
And while the electricity is down
This is the only feeling of warmth
The curious young lady ponders
The day of being able to travel
The day of waking with a normal way
Where the day is greeted with coffee
The birds and the sun.
She has the desire not be judged
Based on fanatics from both societies
And media that play the bend
And when will she and so many others
Be afforded the chance to mend?
And not be judged by ignorance
Rather with grace
In a revolving cycle
The corridor of peace
Is around the corner
She isn't sure of this
Nor anyone else
This young lady will have peace
If we can have peace - certainly she can
The ability to do what she desires
And when god is such a
Bad word coming from them
Many of "them" use it in the same
Non-fanatical manner that you and I do
With Gods speeds my dear
Keep your chin up and don't shed too many tears
For the ones that speaketh usually do take it away
And that is universal saying
Not just Iraq per se
Martin Luther King once said
For the black people in America
"I have a dream"
His dream came true
So shall this one dearest May
For you and for
All the good of mankind
Dr. Martin paid a price
But the dream did come true
The sun does shine
~ jgs
__________________________________________
The Major is Home
Coffee is ready in the kitchen
Hearing it saying welcome home Rog
And as you look out the window
There is the land in which you know
It's the land you have grown
The trees, the yard, the land it's all there
And in a way each is casting a smile
Welcome back
Another sip of coffee
There are the kids
Thought you were up early
Before everyone else
Not the case
But Dad has a surprise
Happy loving faces
Those are your own
Radiant young faces to see their Father
Even with those twins
Dad is home
Another sip of coffee
Mom is serene and content
A kiss on to your loved one
And then to the entire clan
My this kitchen has taken a family stand
Looking eye to eye
A few tears in some eyes
It's all good as this is the life
Another sip of that warm coffee
Bill has the same problems
He just called on the telephone
Yes that same old equipment
You helped him during your time off
Seemingly are back in need of fix in
But that's not his plan
He just wants to see ya
And shake your hand
The last sip of that coffee
You're back at your own land
Something's never change
But it's all good
You carried out your missions
While taking care of many peaceful
In another land
You found the good
The people, the mothers, the daughters
And all the peaceful
And you found some of the bad
Most of all you finished your coffee
And understand that you did what
You were called upon doing
And now you can sip you own coffee
From your own coffee mug
The cup is put down
Time for a hair cut, heck no
Time for some music and some visiting
Maybe this first day I'll take the wife for a drive
Around the state
Or to the nearby cafe and have lunch
~ jgs ~
Both Jack. Happy and at the same time grieving. Happy knowing there are souls out there, braving the lonely war zones ... grieving, knowing they aren't sure what will happens next. But through it all they are there depending us while we are all in the comfort of our own homes. And them, insted of being in their families at bedsides at night.
ReplyDeleteIt's only fitting to give them all recognition. For that am giving my heartfelt salute and prayers.
A beautiful loving thoughts there, Jack. Great.
It's a day of honor within America and the service is one of which is paramount to those whom have served.
ReplyDeleteToday is a day to remember those who gave their lives for the country. I understand there should be no happiness in today. But that has been lost with the barbeque's and picnics
ReplyDeleteI hope not Sharon - I would think that the weekend has been fruitful within America but within today - part of it I would assume and hope that it's not a society where we begin to forget rather than remember and honor.
ReplyDeleteI was just looking at this link from the White House.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/27/prayer-peace-memorial-day-2011
Today is a day of memorial. It was set aside to remember Americas fallen hero's. It has become a day for mattress sales and hot dogs on the grill. It's sad really.
ReplyDeleteSome I do believe within that and as well those whom have and are within the military would be appreciating this day as yeah it is a day of honor and respect to those which have an are serving.
ReplyDeleteNo actually the guy I am living with is still considered reserve and he is very adamant that there is armed services day and veterans day, they are for those actively serving and for those who have retired. Today is for those who have fallen. he has told a couple people it is disrespectful to honor those who are serving today because it is for those who have died. The living have nothing to do with this unless they are the family members of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I think he's right. This is to memorialize those who gave their life for the country.
ReplyDeleteHe brought up the fact that soldiers in uniform are decorating the graves at the national cemeteries with flags. It is their way of paying respect.
ReplyDeleteIt is and I was just reading this article from the New York Times in reference to some of your comments Sharon.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/opinion/30blight.html?src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB
I never knew that Waterloo, NY was the birthplace of what was called Declaration Day and there after came to be Memorial Day.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.americancivilwarmemorial.com/
Well said there.
ReplyDeleteWe also called it Decoration Day when I was a child.
ReplyDeleteI just learned this right now Nancy I kid you not.
ReplyDeleteToo bad there is not another way to find peace and freedom other than killing people in wars. It seems like the wrong way to do it, a waste of good people who could do so many better things in this world than die. Yes I know they are dying for a cause, freedom, but I just don't understand it.
ReplyDeleteThat last item from Sharon brought tears to my eyes.
There was a story which I intended on writing with regards to peace and yes there are many that do or have had people within their lives which have been at guard thought the years to grant what we know Nancy as Freedom.
ReplyDeleteFrom Theresa of Minneapolis, United States
ReplyDeleteMemorial Day “To never forget".
Memorial Day or as it was also known as Decoration Day, It was observed on May 30th , then changed to the last Monday in May. Since every generation of my family as far back as the war of revolution served in the military, one distant grandfather came to America with La Fayette to help fight the British and after the war stayed, married and raised five sons. So through all of these wars brave men and women made sure we have our freedoms. I go to the cemeteries, and place flags and flowers on the military members now deceased. I also remember all my loved ones that is possible for me to visit. Today is a hard day for me as it always is around Memorial Day as my son Lee died in an accident the day after Memorial Day in 1997.Lee never saw active duty during his military years, but he was proud to serve. His accident was not military related but it sure reminds me of all he would have given if asked.
*I missed this one and thought as well I would place it on as it was the first email I recieved...
This is very good Jack. Thank you for posting these.
ReplyDelete"A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time." I didn't know that.
ReplyDeleteThe county seat had a Memorial Day program in front of the courthouse today, I listened to it on the radio. Some veterans gave speeches and some people sang patriotic songs. It was nice. My dad and his three brothers all served in different branches of the military in WWll and my husband served in Vietnam before we were together.
I have four more things I wish to place within this blog Sharon and as well thank you, I decided that I would place on the emails that came and the pm on multiply that came in. ~ Lest we not Forget ~
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing
ReplyDeleteNor did I this is what I love is the learning within all of this Nancy.
ReplyDeleteI so wish this Will and Douglas would post something but they are probably out...
yet this is worth it. Erick I watched on Charlie Rose the other night and it was
very thought provoking...
I don't think respect within this area is wrong as we would not be able to do this
if we didnt have the freedoms by way of those who have had to give their lives or
do their service within the .....~ services ~.
Tommy Douglas a former Prime Minister mentioned while in office in Canada:
ReplyDelete" The relationship between these two nations are like an Elephant and a Mouse within a cage ". What he was trying to say was that Canada would not exist if it wasn't for the relations and having United States as a neighbor. But that was then and the way I see it now is that we are more together and for myself - I love America as well by way of my father I was raised there. So I never saw these two countries with borders. Not then and not now.
And if it wasn't for all the men and women that have served I certainly would not be able to do this. Here as well as this here:
Yet I know some feel differently, I don't. I feel there is a hope although we are
so indulged within so much but that is just me.
well done well done
ReplyDeleteThanks Hiedi as I just came back to this and wished to post a two more. I loved the story you shared - and I thank you.
ReplyDeletehttp://histclo.com/schun/country/ger/era/tr/ww2/ww2-evac.html
ReplyDelete
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