Last weekend, I visited my mom’s home place in Barbour County. When grandparents and parents are gone, nothing remains the same. The once quaint and humble home in the middle of the woods was a victim of arson more than five years ago. So, nothing looked the same. I went to get a start from a honeysuckle bush that used to be in the front yard. I expected to see it blooming, but, even the honeysuckle bush was gone. Another lesson learned: What we are going to do – we need to do now. Nothing lasts forever. Everything comes to pass.
More than a little disappointed, I stood there and remembered how I felt, as a kid, when coming up the lane to the house with its well-tended lawn and beautiful wild flowers all around. I listened and could remember the laughter and the clanking of horse-shoes hitting the peg. I began to remember the front porch where Granddad had cemented river rock around the two porch posts and I remember Grandmother, sitting there with a ready-smile. Also, I looked at the place where they took a picture of me holding a pet chicken, named Geronimo – before political-correctness was an issue.
This weekend we remember our men and women who died in active military service, and we remember all of our loved ones.
Memorial Day is not just another holiday. It gives all of us an occasion for remembrance.
Memorial Day began as a day to honor soldiers who had died during the Civil War. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, regardless of the day of the week. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been officially observed on the last Monday in May.
So, as you celebrate this weekend, at picnics, family gatherings or sporting events, “don’t forget – to remember,” how it was made possible.
It certainly was not the politicians or journalists who have made our freedom possible.
Be sure to thank the veterans who have given their service through the years – some with their very lives. Thank those who live with the physical and emotional scars. Don’t forget those who are serving now in the name of freedom. Thank those who serve silently – sending their greatest offerings – their own loved ones – and wait anxiously for the return of their husbands, wives, sons and daughters. Thank those who send up prayers and to all who work, giving and supporting however they can. They are our heroes, and this Memorial Day, we offer all Veterans our deepest gratitude and our grateful prayers.
Thanks be to our faithful God and thank God for precious memories.
The public is invited to attend a Memorial Day Remembrance with the Pocahontas County Honor Corps at Mountain View Cemetery Sunday, May 27, at 4 p.m. – weather permitting.
Please note day and time change.