Memorial Day

[njnomad]

I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did. ~Benjamin Harrison

This is from my wife on her facebook page:

"Go visit soldiers in a military hospital, help a mom & her kids whose husband/dad has been overseas for a year, write a check to an organization supporting disabled veterans...it's the obnoxious complaining that drives me crazy- if you really care, go DO something to help."

I'm very proud of her.

 

[womanridge]

I spent the day at an Army Unit Deployment farewell event for families of soldiers leaving for Iraq, of which my nephew Jim is a part of. It was a very emotional event. His unit is a Forward Surgical Team and their motto is "We save Heroes". It was very dificult to say goodbye for a year.

 

[statdawg]

Memorial Day, traditionally observed on May 30, now observed the last Monday in May, honors fallen veterans of wars. Traditionally, family members visit the cemetery where loved ones are interred and leave flowers on the grave.

Memorial Day honors people who died in defense of the nation. Armed Forces Day honors those who serve currently, celebrated the third Saturday in May. Veterans Day honors the veterans who returned.

On Memorial Day itself, flags on poles or masts should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon. At noon, flags should be raised to full-staff position.

My brother and I will check the local cemetery on Monday to see if all the veterans are marked properly with flags. The local VFW / Vets group may miss a few mainly due to worn graves and missing metal markers from early wars and its my brothers honor as a caretaker to do so with flags entrusted to us.

As a family we will think about my cousin who died in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb during a time when the Canadian Army took on the fight as the bulk of the Americans were in Iraq. And we will think about another cousin who was killed in Iraq by friendly fire.

The American side of the family will be honored during Veterans Day a day for the returned.