Memorial Day
May. 30th, 2011 03:04 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mickeymI know for many, Memorial Day is a three-day weekend; a chance to have a great outdoor BBQ with friends and family; the official kick-off of summer. Swimming pools open across the country, and drug stores and supermarkets alike are suddenly stocked with sunscreen and flip-flops.
It's also, and unfortunately this has gotten lost as the years pass, a day to remember those who have fallen in service to their country. To remember, to honor, to mourn.
I grew up surrounded by veterans and their families. My mom worked with the Veterans Administration. My grandfather, himself a WWII veteran, was president of the American Legion in Bronson, MI for many years. During the summer months we stayed with my grandparents frequently, and spent a good deal of that time at the Legion. Memorial Day was the day my grandfather got dressed up and attended services to remember the fallen. I cannot observe this day without remembering him, solemn and quiet, honoring his fallen countrymen and women. Rest in peace, Grandpa. It's been eleven years, and I still miss you.
I found this while looking for something else, and it's a gorgeous rendition of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "America the Beautiful", as well as a stunning video of images that pretty much sum up this country.
It's also, and unfortunately this has gotten lost as the years pass, a day to remember those who have fallen in service to their country. To remember, to honor, to mourn.
I grew up surrounded by veterans and their families. My mom worked with the Veterans Administration. My grandfather, himself a WWII veteran, was president of the American Legion in Bronson, MI for many years. During the summer months we stayed with my grandparents frequently, and spent a good deal of that time at the Legion. Memorial Day was the day my grandfather got dressed up and attended services to remember the fallen. I cannot observe this day without remembering him, solemn and quiet, honoring his fallen countrymen and women. Rest in peace, Grandpa. It's been eleven years, and I still miss you.
I found this while looking for something else, and it's a gorgeous rendition of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "America the Beautiful", as well as a stunning video of images that pretty much sum up this country.
