A Day To Remember

Memorial Day

2013

Memorial Day officially is the last Monday in May each year.  On this special day, in the United States,  we honor and remember the men and women who have paid the ultimate price with their lives while serving in the United States Military.  This tradition began back during the Civil War, and we as a nation,  continue to honor our fallen military members every year on Memorial Day.

To me one of the most touching events held on Memorial Day is when the President of the United States places a wreath on The Tomb of the Unknown Shoulder in Washington, D.C.

  
 

Tomb of The Unknown Soldier 

Photo  borrowed from the Internet.
Inscription on the Tomb:  

  "HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY
AN AMERICAN SOLDIER
KNOWN BUT TO GOD."

The Tomb of the Unknows is a monument dedicated to American military members who have died without their remains being identified.   The Tomb is guarded around the clock with guards being changed every thirty minutes,  twenty-four hours a day,  365 days a year.

Back in 2003 when hurricane Isabel was approaching the Washington, D.C. area,  it was reported on the evening news that because of the dangers from Hurricane Isabel approaching Washington, DC,  the military members assigned the duty of guarding The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.  They refused. "No way, Sir!"

Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of the storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment; it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person.  They refused to abandon their post.  The tomb has been patrolled continuously,  24/7,  since 1930.

I feel certain The Unknowns are resting in peace!  

Most folks are celebrating Memorial Day all around the country this weekend and especially Monday.  I wanted to put together a patriotic bouquet as a reminder for the special day. Of course I had to grab my camera and try to capture the flowers so we could keep them forever.

Our local Publix grocery store always has such pretty fresh flowers.  I asked the sweet lady in the flower department if she by any chance happened to have some little American flags.  I really did not think she would have any,  but as you can see, she did have just the right size for my little arrangement.   And, of all things, she said:  "You can have the flag, no charge!"  How about that!

 Memorial Day is said to mark the beginning of the Summer vacation season, 

even though the first official day of Summer is not until Friday, June 21. 

 

 

Our daughters and families are coming over for a cookout tomorrow and some of the grandsons want to go fishing down at the pond,  a short distance down the hill from our house.  They are going to wait until later in the day so the sun will not be so high and so hot.  I don't know about you, but I am ready to have a little Summertime watermelon ... Doesn't that sound so good!

If any of the grandsons catch anything I will try to take some photos of the special moment and then share it with you,  if they turn out!

I hope you have some fun plans for your special Memorial Day,  and that you are having a very nice week-end.  

Blessings to you wherever you may be.