The Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Cookouts, baseball games, races, and a host of other things will occupy our time. Please take a few moments and pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice that we may actually enjoy these weekends.
"While many Americans recognize Memorial Day as the official start of summer, it is important that we pause and reflect on the sacrifices of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have fallen in service to our nation. Through their dedication to country, they have upheld our values of liberty, justice and self-determination. We will proudly join our fellow Americans in honoring these brave individuals who have voluntarily given their lives for the sake of freedom. We also remember the families of our Armed Forces, who know personally the sacrifices made in service top our great nation. As Americans, we are called to do our part to uphold the ideals for which these individuals have given so much. We would also like to thank our veterans for their service to our nation, and join with them as we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice." From the web-site of our bank, I thought it very appropriate.
I've never seen it more simply put than this, on a sign in a church down the block: IN MEMORY OF MANY, IN HONOR OF ALL.
This year Mackenzie (granddaughter) and the Daisy Scout Troop she belongs to went to the Bellevue Cemetery and helped place flags on graves. She thought that seemed pretty important....she is starting to "get it".
As in previous years, Monday morning we will all go over to the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. There is a Remembrance Ceremony in the home cemetery before the parade up to Oakland Cemetery. There is something extremely powerful yet very humbling about walking those grounds. Very hard to keep the eyes dry. I've noticed over the past several year a rather disturbing trend....simply, more white headstones, and fewer "old guys". Very sad indeed. It's our way of making a very small payment on a huge debt we owe them.
To all who died in service to our country, a heartfelt "Thank You", may God hold them and their families in His loving hands, and grant them eternal peace and rest.
In loving memory of Rick Albright, Larry Libbee, Jack Lundell and Craig Roydes, little boys from my far distant past. We used to play "war", they did it for real, and paid the ultimate price.
"While many Americans recognize Memorial Day as the official start of summer, it is important that we pause and reflect on the sacrifices of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have fallen in service to our nation. Through their dedication to country, they have upheld our values of liberty, justice and self-determination. We will proudly join our fellow Americans in honoring these brave individuals who have voluntarily given their lives for the sake of freedom. We also remember the families of our Armed Forces, who know personally the sacrifices made in service top our great nation. As Americans, we are called to do our part to uphold the ideals for which these individuals have given so much. We would also like to thank our veterans for their service to our nation, and join with them as we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice." From the web-site of our bank, I thought it very appropriate.
I've never seen it more simply put than this, on a sign in a church down the block: IN MEMORY OF MANY, IN HONOR OF ALL.
This year Mackenzie (granddaughter) and the Daisy Scout Troop she belongs to went to the Bellevue Cemetery and helped place flags on graves. She thought that seemed pretty important....she is starting to "get it".
As in previous years, Monday morning we will all go over to the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. There is a Remembrance Ceremony in the home cemetery before the parade up to Oakland Cemetery. There is something extremely powerful yet very humbling about walking those grounds. Very hard to keep the eyes dry. I've noticed over the past several year a rather disturbing trend....simply, more white headstones, and fewer "old guys". Very sad indeed. It's our way of making a very small payment on a huge debt we owe them.
To all who died in service to our country, a heartfelt "Thank You", may God hold them and their families in His loving hands, and grant them eternal peace and rest.
In loving memory of Rick Albright, Larry Libbee, Jack Lundell and Craig Roydes, little boys from my far distant past. We used to play "war", they did it for real, and paid the ultimate price.