Memorial Day 2013

It's easy on this day, Memorial Day, to get wrapped up in household projects, relaxing in the sun or barbecuing with family and friends.  None of those activities are wrong; in fact they are quite American in nature, but please don't forget what this day is about... remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their life, so we can live and prosper in this amazing country.

America has been celebrating Memorial Day since the mid-1800's.  It begin as Decoration Day to honor those who lost their life during the Civil War.  The day was was later changed to Memorial Day to include all soldiers in every conflict who lost their life.

As you go about your activities today, please remember to take a minute at 3:00 pm to pause in silence, remembering those who have sacrificed so much for us.

In Flanders Field

by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

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.

If your interested in reading more about Memorial Day, please click here.  If you would like to read more about Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae and the story behind In Flanders Field, please click here.