Monday, May 29, 2017

Memorial Day


What I have to say can be found on the pages of the Boston Herald. I hope you find it worthwhile.

Thank you.

Jim


4 comments:

Ami said...

So often people don't understand the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. All of my relatives have returned home safely, the most recent my own brother after four tours in Iraq.

I'm grateful that we never had that knock on the door, too. And very grateful to those who have served our country and died doing so.

1:27 AM, May 29, 2017
The Broad said...

In the UK the equivalent to Memorial Day is Remembrance Sunday. For some time before then it is traditional to wear a red poppy on one's suit or coat. The money paid for the poppy goes to benefit those families that have lost someone in military service. Remembrance Sunday is that Sunday nearest to November 11th. Not only do all churches hold a special service with a two minute silence at 11 O'clock, but towns and villages also meet around the town or village memorial with veterans and other uniformed groups such as the scouts and hold a non-denominational service of remembrance. At each service a wreath of poppies is laid at the foot of the memorial statue. My husband's grandfather was killed at the Somme in France when his daughter, my husband's mother was around two -- it changed her life in many many ways. We have visited his grave in Bordeaux at one of the cemeteries with war dead from many countries -- one sad grave among many. It is a very sad and beautiful place and I am glad to say beautifully cared for.

7:00 AM, May 29, 2017
messymimi said...

The original Decoration Day on May 30 was a time to tend the graves of your family members, and decorate with flowers and flags the graves of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, especially Civil War casualties, and then those from the Spanish-American War.

Tradition states that today, flags fly at half staff until noon, and then are raised until sunset. As you noted, we are to remember their sacrifice, and then accept with joy the good days they have allowed us to enjoy because of it.

9:45 AM, May 29, 2017
Craig said...

Older members of my family called Memorial Day, Decoration Day, as Mimi notes above, and they called Veterans' Day, Armistice Day, as it was originated in honor of the armistice ending WWI. I remember buying poppies at school, when I was in early elementary school.

You made me think here, Sully. I realized that I can't think of a single relative, or friend, or anyone I've ever known personally, who died in a war. Lots of people I know have served in the military, and seen active duty, and even been shot at, including my dad, and a couple of my uncles. But all of 'em have come home alive - every single one. I wonder if I'm weird that way. . .

11:08 AM, May 30, 2017

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