Memorial Day

Have you every thought of why we celebrate Memorial Day? 

I know men and women that have served in the Armed Forces, but none that died in their service.

My 4 times grandfather, Gideon Bentley, was a "minute man" in the American Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783). He was the last Revolutionary war hero living. He died in 1858 at the age of 108.

My father-in-law fought in World War II (1939 - 1945). He was the only soldier that survived a bomb attack on his bunker. A fellow soldier fell across his body on impact and it saved his life. 

My father fought in the Korean War (1950 -1953). He served in the 6th Army Medical Depot and left us a history of his war experiences. War is not a pretty picture.

Several uncles served in the Vietnam War (1955 - 1975) and returned home safely.

We were thankful that the Selective Service ended just weeks before my brother and soon-to-be husband turned 19 years old. 

By the time my now current husband enrolled in the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Course) at USU (Utah State University) in 1989, we were enjoying a relative amount of peace. But 9 -11 came and it all changed. As an officer in the Reserves, his company was called up and deployed for 30 months state side. Iraq for 18 months, and Afghanistan for 18 months. He saw and experienced plenty and has really never shared much about it. I am grateful for his service, and am more grateful for his safe return home after each deployment. He is retired now and that gives me peace.

Dave and I have stood in reverence for the men and women who fought valiantly for freedom's sake and lost their lives doing so. Visiting Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and the American Cemetery at Normandy leaves you with a deep sense of reverence and respect for those who paid the price of freedom. The atmosphere is overwhelmingly peaceful, restful, and quiet. Each individual grave is given great care. There is beauty in every direction. You feel like you are standing on hallowed ground. 

Arlington National Cemetery - Virginia USA

American Cemetery - Omaha Beach at Normandy

War days will never be truly behind us, but this weekend we will relax in peace and safety with the assurance that there are brave men and women around the world watching over us and protecting our freedoms.

I will sit in my garden and enjoy all the lovely flowers that surround me. 

I will have a wonderful visit with my children. We will eat food. Lots of it. We will laugh and reminisce about days gone by. We will make plans for future outings.

I will watch my grandchildren run in the grass, catch butterflies, splash their feet in the waterfall, and play to their heart's content.

I will cut beautiful peonies and daisies from my garden and lovingly arrange them in containers to place on my parents graves, my daughter's grave, and my son's grave. 

I will offer a silent prayer, with gratitude in my heart, for being able to live in this great country where we enjoy the freedoms we do. I will not take them for granted, and I will remember those who gave all for me to have them.

I will reverently bow my head at my loved ones resting spot and thank God above for the great blessing of having had them in my life. I will honor and cherish their memories and live worthy to be reunited with them once again. 

Memorial Day is not only a time to honor our loved ones who have passed beyond the veil, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the bounteous blessings that we receive everyday at the Lord's hand. My basket is overflowing with both gratitude and blessings!

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop