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Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day...and the meaning for me

A little story.....

As a child who was born on traditional Memorial Day, I experienced disappointment one birthday after riding my bike to the toy store with the "spending money" my grandma had given me, only to find the store was closed.  Closed on a Saturday? What?  I returned home and was told the true meaning of Memorial Day from my grandpa. 

As the years went on, the holiday was changed to the last Monday of May...it was now set as a three day week-end...... bar-b-q's, party's, beach time...fun for all.

Fast forward....some 40 years (ouch that's a lot).  Yesterday I attended the graduation service at our high school.  The principle proudly stood on stage and asked all the veterans in the audience to stand and be recognized.  "NICE!" I thought...as I am very grateful to those who serve our country, after-all, I married a U.S.Marine.  But then I was waiting for the actual Memorial Day recognition.... you know, the one that mentions the fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate price....will they name graduates who lost their lives while in service?  I waited.....No...the graduation ceremony continued on without them..... I found myself disappointed once again.

The meaning of Memorial Day that my Grandpa had taught me stands close to my heart even today.  It is the day that we remember our fallen, our service men and women who lost their lives protecting us.  Let Us Not Forget.

So I say to the two graduates of Somonauk high school, the ones I knew personally, I will not forget you!

Jeremy Drag U.S.A.F.
Tyler Miller U.S.ARMY

Thank you for allowing me my freedoms. 

Shari

13 comments :

Barb said...

What a nice, thoughtful post, Shari. Thank you for reminding us what this day should truly mean to all of us! I too, always think of my father on this day...he also was a Marine, and fought in WWII. Enjoy you day! :)

Julia Dunnit said...

With you Shari - perhaps you should bring it to the school's attention....

Dawn T said...

what a lovely post Shari. It is good to remember those who have fallen to protect the world we live in. We have a similar day in NZ.

Lin said...

And may I add a 1967 graduate of Westinghouse Memorial HS in PA, Kenny Kline, my neighbor, who we lost in the Vietnam War.
Shari, I too, think of this holiday as a memorial to our fallen soldiers.

Jana said...

Thank you Shari. I totally agree with you. I was listening to a radio station today that was having people call in about Memorial Day. And I was so amazed how many people were talking about people serving right now in the military. Of course we honor them. But today is for those who didn't make it home. And our gratitude for their and their families' sacrifice. Thanks for reminding us.

jaemom said...

Thanks for sharing your heartfelt thoughts. I agree that Memorial Day has evolved to a "holiday" where people have a day off; or perhaps where people remember loved ones who have passed. Those are not bad things, but let us not forget the ones who gave their lives fighting for a privilege we all enjoy today.

p.s. Happy Belated Birthday!

lois Skiathitis said...

Thanks for sharing your story and for the reminder of what Memorial Day is all about and how it should be a day of remembering our fallen. TFS!!! :-D

Hannah said...

I appreciate this post, Shari. I would not have thought the same way without reading this. Shamefully, memorial day conjures images of bbq and long weekend. Let us not forget the true meaning of memorial day. .......... and belated happy birthday, Shari :) Also, I want to add (sorry this is getting so long!) that I'm really, really enjoying your week on the Hero blog! Your projects are so beautiful and inspirational.

Karen from MI said...

What a LOVELY blog post, Shari. I feel your whole heart in this one! It is a shame that so many are not remembered as they should be. Just the mere fact that YOU are recognizing that this was missing says MUCH to your character. By your example and words, maybe others (like those of us who have just read your blog) will be touched to do more..........that's just the simple way that I think........thanks for enlightening me, Shari. Happy Belated Birthday, too. Love, Karen xo

Cardcrafter said...

What a great post! Your words brought a tear to my eye--and I am grateful to you for helping me remember the meaning of Memorial Day and the value of each person's life and contribution to the world. Thank you!

Cardcrafter said...

What a great post, Shari! It brought a tear to my eye and helped me remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and the value and contribution of each person to our world.

Carolyn said...

I don't think there is anyone, anywhere, who has not been touched by war. It is a day to remember and honour those who have gone before.

Anonymous said...

I too share a May 31 birthday...
altho' I celebrated the big 50! this year. Growing up I always thought that the holiday was because it was my birthday! HA!HA! As Kids I guess it's always about us!!