Memorial Day
Traveling across the state Monday, almost each city and town had a celebration of Memorial Day. Old men in their uniforms, young men with their boy scouts and girl scouts, paid their respects to the men and women of our armed forces.
The holiday was started in 1868 to honor members of the armed services that had served in the Grand Army of the Potomac. After World War One the day was changed to include all members of the armed services who had served in any war or military action. Poppies from Flanders fields in France became a popular symbol of the remembrance of service, taken from the poem by Major McCrey; “In Flanders fields where poppies blow, Neath crosses, row upon row……”
The Liberty Hill chapter of the VFW served breakfast to quite a crowd of veterans as well as their families and friends early Monday morning. It was a great time to see all the men and women who had served and thank them. We then moved into Veterans Park where Sergeant Hickman bulged “Assembly.” Standing before the Wall of Honor a prayer was lofted into the bright spring morning. I was proud of Liberty Hill’s Veterans of Foreign Wars presentation of the Colors, the eulogies of those who paid the supreme sacrifice, as well honoring those veterans still living.
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A closing prayer was offered. The sad but moving notes of taps was then blown by the bulgier, and we were dismissed.
I felt proud that we, as a nation, would take time to honor these men and women, who gave a part, and sometimes all, of their lives to protect us. May we always keep the faith, the honor, and respect for these who served.
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July 28th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I’m raising a toast to fellow Veterans and their families everywhere. Welcome home, thank you for your service, and always remember the Brothers and Sisters we left behind!