Let’s not forget
Memorial Day honors all Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, while serving in the United States military. This special day to honor those who died in service to their country became official by an Act of Congress in 1971. Let’s not forget their sacrifice.
A day to remember
This day of remembrance first began as local observances honoring neglected gravesites of Civil War soldiers. One such event occurred in Hampton Park, South Carolina on May 1, 1865, although more than twenty-five other locations claim to have been the first to sponsor Memorial Day. The first large commemoration of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1873 in Arlington National Cemetery. General Ulysses S. Grant presided.
Arlington National Cemetery
Until World War I, only Civil War soldiers were honored. Now, all American soldiers, who die while in service, are remembered. Learn more about the history of Memorial day here.
My dad served in World War II. Thankfully he came back (I wouldn’t be here otherwise). But all soldiers are changed by their military experiences, especially if they lose a comrade. A good friend of my dad was killed following the invasion of Normandy. Fellow soldiers never forget the loss. Nor should we.
A time to give thanks
I hope you will join me in giving thanks for those who served and lost their lives preserving freedom here at home and abroad.
For those who fought and died–and for their families–thank you.
You see their faces. You hear their laughter. You feel their tears. You remember their sacrifice. Sometimes it seems there are too many names to remember. We do try and recall the all, yet some stand out more than others. For me, there’s a few. Perhaps the most heartbreaking are those who made it home but were unable to lay down the past.
You are so right Ms. Katherine. We never forget, nor should we, the price that has long been paid for our freedom and liberty. From Jesus Christ forward, there have been men and women who surrendered their lives to keep those God-given ideals alive. Let us not forget the cost!
Before my parents died, I was blessed to drive them to reunions of the 30th Division, my dad’s assignment from WWII. Those men were often very quiet about their experiences, but occasionally I’d hear a story shared. But every man and his spouse (I never met a woman soldier or nurse in my dad’s company) were kind, brave, and dedicated people who loved their country. I cherish those memories. But as you point out, so many who came home could never let go of their pain. Thank you for your service, my friend.
Thank you, Katherine, for this educational an meaningful tribute.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing encouragement, Connie. So wonderful to join in fellowship with you at Ridgecrest this week. What a blessing we all received!
Thank you Katherine. In today’s world, Too many see Memorial Day as a celebration for summer’s arrival, and don’t give a thought to what it’s really about.
J.D.’s words resonate with me: “Perhaps the most heartbreaking are those who made it home but were unable to lay down the past.”
J.D.’s words deeply affected me as well, Candyce. So many of our courageous military folks are scarred for life and, often, their pain is hidden from us, but tragic for them. Congratulations on your award at BRMCWC. So proud of you! Wishing you joy and blessings.
We must remember those who lost thier lives, or livelihood, to insure our American freedoms. My father-in-law served in WW11 and my father in the Korean War. Both experienced emotional wounds that lasted a lifetime. thanks for sharing these Memorial Day facts.
I’m thankful for your family members that served, Lisa. In our country’s history, so many have given so much. Peace and blessings.
Thank you for remembering the fallen, Katherine. Their sacrifice and the actions of other soldiers paid for our freedom.
I agree, Barbara. We are living the blessings given by those brave men and women who came before us. Thank you for your commitment to remember our veterans and fallen heroes. Peace and blessings, my friend.
Thanks for providing this background for this special day. It’s important to understand the significance of this day and to never take for granted the price of freedom.
I agree, Terri. I pray there never comes a time when we take our freedom for granted and fail to remember the sacrifices made by so many.
Thank you for the information and inspiration, Katherine. My husband served but returned. As with your father, not all his friends did.
I’m thankful for your husband’s service, Diana. Those who are blessed to return have given so much of themselves as they serve to protect us at home and those in other countries. I hope your upcoming week is filled with joy and blessings.
May we never forget what they gave and what they saved us from. Thanks and God bless, Katherine!
Yes, Nancy. How different our homeland would be without the great sacrifices of those who fought to receive and protect our freedom. May God continue to bless you and your family.