Memorial Day Reminder

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Well said!
 
For about a year, my dad has been heading up a project to build a veterans memorial for those in our community who served in the military. So far, they have the flags and statues up, but they're still working on collecting funds for the plaques and memorial bricks. I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's complete.

Thank you for saying that....my Dad, Husband, and Son are all veterans, and this day is special for us.  Grace before dinner was a prayer for those who served our country, said by DH.  The steaks were great, but the meaning of the day was not forgotten!

I am editing this to explain that our daughter came up from FL this weekend and today was our day to have family togiether.

Marlania I was so very proud to contribute to that fund!!    Jules

marty_ga what a great way to spend the day:  with family.  Thankyou military daughter/wife/mom!!  You have really given so much!  Respectfully, Jules

Most of my family has served, nearly all of my friends have served. Sometimes, peacetime, sometimes combat, from World War II to our current action in Iraq. I would have served but was told by family that had been in that I was a medical 4-F, due to having asthma past the age of 12, which was a consideration at the time. My brother tried to join the Navy but they wouldn't take him because of falling arches, in spite of a doctor's waiver. After 9-11, I was ready to to try an enlist but was too old, even though the Army had raised the enlistment age limit. One of the young men in our town worked with an Army recruiter and so I knew the current cut-off age. Still too old. But I can pay taxes and support troops and I always honor veterans.
 
Hand over heart and a silent moment for all veterans, past and present, living or not.
 
 

We went to a flag ceremony this morning.  The VFW was showing a handful of girlscouts how to handle our flags properly, there was a brief opening prayer, the playing of taps, a gun salute, and a few words to thank those who helped put the ceremony together including motorcycle cops who helped with traffic.  It made my heart swell to bring my two children.  I took my eight year old daughter and had her stand tall with her hand over her heart and pay her respects.  My two year old boy didn't understand what was happening but I was able to get him to stand quietly with his little hand over his heart as well.  He took his left hand and placed it over my heart, saying "Baby-mommy heart".  It was hard not to fall apart.  I was kneeling between them talking softly to my kids; explaining the importance of the flag ceremony, as my son's daddy stood tall and saluted smartly, as he is a veteren as well.  It was a great experience, and made my heart swell.  When it came time for the guns to fire in salute, my boy smiled and said, "fireworks!".  A few people smiled at his innocent comment.  I was very surprised and disappointed at how many people who were working, and carrying on as though it were no special thing today.  Lots of people just went about their business, and I didn't see any parades.  It is never out of style to pay respect to our nation's fallen servicemen and women.  I felt it was very important to instruct my children to remove hats, to be silent, to place their right hand over their heart, and to think of those who gave their lives and of the families who live everyday without loved ones.  We flew our flag today with pride.    I hope everyone paused to give thanks and remember our fallen.    Jules

I set out my flag this morning and I will take it down at sunset. It's a special flag for me. In 1996, I was doing an electrical remodel and addition to a school. They were throwing away a lot of stuff and this flag is in the heap. which is no way to decommission a flag. I "rescued" it. Cleaned it up and sewed up the tatters and it's been my flag ever since then.