Memorial Day
Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember, to honor, those men and women who gave their lives to protect this nation.
Not all died on the battle field though. Some carried scars hidden deep inside and died many years and thousands of miles from the places where they fought. They too should be remembered.
Martin T. Simpson, carried the scars of North Africa in his heart and mind for over 30 years. Remembered now by only a few.
Alexander Alvarado, shot down over Europe. He spent part of the war as a POW in Germany.
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
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
Gone but not forgotten
Johnny Cash, Ragged Old Flag reminds us what they were fighting for. Not just the flag, but what she stands for.
In 2013 I got to hear Mr. David Ramadan speak at our local Memorial Day service. It remains one of my favorite Memorial Day speeches.
Enjoy your day, but perhaps take a moment to thank these men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for your freedoms.