I remember having to memorize the Pledge of Allegiance in Kindergarten, and then the Star Spangled Banner in Elementary School. I remember chanting those worths, not really thinking of their meaning. It was custom to say the Pledge of Allegiance before class started each day in every grade of school. The Star Spangled Banner was sang during ball games, and other special...American events. I heard the words to our National Anthem, and Pledge nearly my entire life, but it wasn't until April 9, 2010 at Parris Island when I truly, honestly, grasped the meaning and the Patriotism spoken in our flag.
When I think about the men and women who have graciously given their lives to help keep our Country safe and free, and the Flag that keeps their memory and cause alive...it brings tears to my eyes, and an indescribable pride to my heart. To be an American. To have been blessed to live in this beautiful, free, Country. Being an American is truly a blessing; something to be proud of.
How sad that our President, this Memorial Day...will be taking a vacation instead of honoring our fallen soldiers at the Memorial Day Ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery. He is the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces, and he has chosen to not acknowledge or pay respects to those who have fought AND died to keep this Country our "...sweet land of liberty". I don't usually get political, or talk about our President...but this scares me. Our own President does not want to honor our Soldiers.
Nevertheless, having a Brother now in the Marine Corps, I have a greater appreciation and knowledge of our Armed Forces; all branches of the United States Military. While you spend time with your family and friends on this Memorial Day, remember the men and women who have died to keep you safe, and remember the men and women who are currently fighting to protect us and keep us free.
6 comments:
Good post. I commented on someone else's blog about this. You can see that post at Life of a New Dad....
http://lifeofanewdad.blogspot.com/2010/05/war-is-hell.html
Happy Memorial Day!
Happy Memorial Day weekend!
This is a very sad thing. I cried this morning reading the obituary of John Finn. He was the old Medal of Honor recipient from WWII. He died at the age of 100. The below is quoted from his obituary:
"Finn, the chief of ordnance for an air squadron, continuously fired a .50-caliber machine gun from an exposed position as bullets and bombs pounded the base at Kaneohe Bay in Oahu. He then supervised the rearming of returning American planes."
He just did his job...What is President Obama doing????
Happy Memorial Day, and special grateful thanks to people like your brother who are willing to give their lives in service to this country.
Wow. REALLY? He is not having a ceremony? That is just wrong.
I applaud you. I posted a great video about the true meaning of Memorial Day, and had lots of pleasant reminders (no sarcasm) as Rolling Thunder rolled through our city. (I love me some Harleys. I love me some Vets on Harleys even better!)Please thank your brother and your parents for me.
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