Here in the state of Indiana, Memorial Day and the entire weekend is a pretty big deal. I wish that I could tell you all that it is because we are a most patriotic state but that would not be entirely true. There is a racing spectacle that some of you may have heard of, the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, that takes center stage for not only the weekend but for the entire month of May. It seems the entire world visits Indiana on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend either by radio, television, or physically visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The race is not what I want to talk about today, though. I would rather talk about the real reason we have this National Holiday weekend here in the United States. Since around the time of the Civil War, Memorial Day has been a day set aside to remember the fallen soldiers who lost their lives in combat serving our country. Originally called Decoration Day it is a day set aside to decorate the graves of the men and women who sacrificed their own lives so that we could be free. I came across an article written by Pastiche that is eloquently and respectfully written about Memorial Day - Decoration Day. Pastiche tells us the history of this holiday and shares a few different ways that it is observed around the United States. She explains the significance of the poppy and adds a personal touch by explaining why the holiday meant so much to her family when she was young. Her article took me back to my own childhood and memories of Memorial Day and my own family. She reminded me of the poem that was required learning when I was in school, "In Flanders Fields". As an adult, the poem has much more meaning to me and I think it will to you too.
I doubt that there is a family in the world who hasn't been touched by the loss of a loved one in an armed conflict. We have had family, friends, and neighbors serve our country. Some can rejoice the fact that they returned home safely while others grieve.
This Memorial Day weekend as we have our picnics, barbecues, open our pools, or listen to the race; let us not forget those who have fallen.
Visit Memorial Day - Decoration Day
Image Credit: Lest We Forget Memorial Day by VintageHolidays
Pastiche creates quality lenses and this one is a perfect example. Yes, here in Indiana Memorial Day weekend is race weekend. Thanks for the reminder of what this day is all about.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for featuring my lens about Memorial Day and its true meaning to Americans. The commercialism and "start of summer" mindset associated with Decoration Day has bothered me since I was a child following the parade and soldiers to our local graveyards for ceremonies. When the US changed the date to make yet another 3-day weekend I was proud to live in NH where the original date was preserved and observed as Memorial Day (in addition to the "official" federal Monday off). This year, visit a veteran, sit for awhile at a monument or walk through a graveyard and think about what it means to see those flags waving on the graves. Each serviceman or women lost in battle gave/give so much for us - we can take a minute before the party starts to contemplate the sacrifices made for our freedoms.
ReplyDeleteMy thanks to all who have fought and died to make us safe here at home.
ReplyDeletePastiche's Memorial Day lens is a great choice for review, Bev. Thank you.
this is a great review of a great lens. Thank you for the reminder.
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