What does Memorial Day mean to you? For most folks, it indicates the beginning of summer. It may be a family holiday – a trip to the lake – waterskiing and picnics. It could mean a chance to get away from the hum drum and reality of the everyday to PARTY! The celebration of Memorial Day began in 1865, after the end of the Civil War – one of the costliest of wars our country has ever been involved in. 620,000 lives were spent in the service of this conflict. The day was established sometime later, as people would honor their dead service members by decorating their graves. It was referred to as Decoration Day. After WWI, our nation honored all soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. The day in May was chosen because flowers would be in bloom and available for adorning the graves. Flags are flown at half-staff, but only until noon – at which the time it would be raised to honor all soldiers who died in combat. The official time of remembrance is at 3 PM across the country.

Somehow, time changes the way we celebrate – the way we thank and honor those who served in this sacrificial way. Today is just another day off for many. It is a day for fantastic holiday sales. It’s a chance to plant your garden – take on a task that requires some physical endurance. Most of the time, it’s just another day to celebrate. Maybe we need to think about this. Maybe we’ve lost sight of the cost of war. Our lives in this country are taken for granted. We enjoy freedoms beyond the wildest dreams of other lands. Have we forgotten how to honor her, because we expect so much from her? America has always been a land of opportunity. People still believe she is the best place to live. Even though there have been flaws in her system over time, she remains our country, and many lives were spent to defend her.

The picture of the poppies, associated with Memorial Day, is reminiscent of a poem written in 1915, by Canadian officer and surgeon, John McCrae. As he gazed upon the field of Flanders and observed a beautiful field of the lovely, red flowers, growing up among those who shed their blood in defense of their country.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY