The Real Meaning of Today
Please take a moment today out of your busy schedule of picnics and bar-b-que's and going to amusment parks to remember what today's holiday actually means.It's not a 3-day weekend so we can all go to the beach or the mountains. It's not an extra day off of work to get all those extra chores done around the house.
Today is set aside to honor and remember those men and women who sacrificed so much so that each of us can do with today what we want.
Today, take a moment and think about the men who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, our US Forces lost 6,603 men that day. Remember the Marines of the First World War who fought in Belleau Woods. They struck terror in the hearts of their enemy, who called them Teufelshunde, meaning Devil Dogs.
Take a moment and remember all the American servicemembers who have fought in your name all over the globe, in steamy jungles and arid deserts, so that you can walk freely and speak your mind without fear.
And take a moment to remember all the men and women that are so far from home today. There are no picnics or bar-b-que's for them today.
They sleep alone, in uncomfortable surroundings, if they get to sleep at all.
I, for one, will never forget.
posted by Wendylicious @ 7:03 AM
1 comments
1 Comments:
Growing up in Canada, this weekend was always called the May 2 4 (meaning a 24 of beer) weekend. It is in celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday. Our "memorial" or Remembrance Day is November 11. So for me it was always that day I took the time to remember all of who lost their lives fighting for our very freedoms, both Canadian and American, English etc.
Since moving here to the US 7 years ago, this weekend has become my Remembrance Day and I want to share a poem with you that has meant so much to me growing up and helps me pay tribute.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
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.
Post a Comment
<< Home