Posts
Sunday, May 27
This is my annual post
to recognize and honor those who have given their lives, standing in harm’s
way, that we all might live in freedom...
Memorial Day…
…originally known as Decoration Day as it was a day to honor
the Civil War dead by decorating their graves. First observed on May 30, 1868
by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an
organization of former sailors and soldiers.
Part of his proclamation says…
“What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing
tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade
between our country and its foe? Their soldier lives were the reveille of
freedom to a race in chains, and their death a tattoo of rebellious tyranny in
arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance.
“All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can
add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of
her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds.
Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and found
mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify
to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people,
the cost of free and undivided republic…
“Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their
sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest
flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved
from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and
assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s
gratitude,--the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.”
Congress instituted Memorial Day by passing a law on May 11,
1950, intending it to be a national day of prayer for peace. Part of the
White House Memorial Day Proclamation says:
Section 169g. Memorial Day as day of prayer for permanent peace -
“The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe each May 30, Memorial Day, by praying, each in accordance with his religious faith, for permanent peace; designating a period during such day in which all the people of the United States may unite in prayer for a permanent peace; calling upon all the people of the United States to unite in prayer at such time; and calling upon the newspapers, radio stations, and all other mediums of information to join in observing such day and period of prayer.”
Young people today probably do not know that Memorial Day
used to be a solemn day, honoring those who paid the ultimate price for our
freedom. Businesses closed for the day. Parades were held. Speeches and prayers
were offered up at cemeteries. People took flowers and flags to the gravesites
of those heroes who died in service for their country. In a few places, these
things still take place out of respect and honor.
A hero is one who puts himself or herself in harm’s way to
protect someone he/she doesn’t even know, who puts his/her life on the line
that you and I can live in safety. And usually with little thanks.
The next time you see one of our nation’s heroes in uniform
stand and applaud him or her. Give that one a big hug, a pat on the back, or a
handshake. Give that one your heartfelt thanks for protecting your homeland.
Please pray for all the families of our fallen service men and
women as they leave behind empty chairs in their families. And pray for all
those troops now deployed in harm’s way that they will return safely to their
homes and sit once again with their loved ones.
I hope you will take time to view this video. I know you
will be blessed…
Some gave it all. Pray
that there will be no more empty chairs.
Thank you for this post, Lynn!
Thank you so much, Carol. I didn't really expect any comments. You are so sweet. Bless you!
These means even more, your definition of a hero, the quote - since a silly MSNBC tv achor decided that a hero is no word for a soldier or soldier killed in action.
It also reminds me of the scripture that there is no greater gift than a man lay down his life for another!
Wonderful post, Lynn! It heartened me today!
REading this a day late but wow. gave me goosebumps!
What? No hero? GRRRR!!! Shame on him! Thanks for stopping by, MaryLeigh. I appreciate it! Blessings!
Thank you, sweet Jean! I'm so glad it touched you. Blessings to you!