Memorial Day 2019, Augusta, Georgia

“Everything that we hold precious in this country was made possible by Americans who gave their all. And because of them, our nation is stronger, safer, and will always a shining beacon of freedom for the rest of the world.”

Claudia Pemberton, Author

Years ago, Joe and I started the tradition of going to the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, (aka Blue Goose) on 15th Street in downtown Augusta for there beautiful and moving Memorial Day Ceremony. This nursing home was dedicated in 1969 and is used by war veterans that served on active duty between January 31, 1955 and May 7, 1975. Today is a beautiful but hot day where the temperature will reach a hundred degrees by late afternoon but this morning is only a balmy 90 degrees. As we walk up to Blue Goose, we notice how beautiful and well taken care of the landscaping is with gorgeous flowers blooming brilliantly in the sun. We were guided through the lobby and greeted warmly by all the workers and volunteers we saw. They handed each of us a program, small American Flag, a poppy. and a peppermint.

Walking to our seats, we passed many veterans sitting in wheelchairs holding the American Flags and wearing their hats from whatever conflict they were in. We greeted each and everyone we passed, thanking them for their service. It is very moving seeing all these Veterans in different states of aging and illness.

Memorial Day is a Federal Holiday in the United States to honor and remember those who have died while serving in our Armed Forces and is observed the last Monday of May. This is a day to visit cemeteries to place flowers and flags near their tombstones and go to memorials in honor of those who have passed. At one time it was called “Decoration Day” since during the Civil War time the women would decorated the graves out of love of those who had served.

We always get there early so we can get a seat in the shade, so when we entered the Charles Esposito Courtyard it wasn’t crowded yet. First thing we noticed was the Army band wasn’t there as they had been before, but a small band was there to play. When we looked at the program we saw the band was from Augusta University and was their Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Wycliffe Gordon, a well known trombone player from this area. What a treat. We had gone to a Wycliffe Gordon concert before in Aiken and knew how talented he was. What a nice surprise for us. Then I realized one of the members of the band, Tyler Milford was a member of the band Josh, our son is in and see him near every week at our house for band practice. We were excited about that and seeing them preform.

When we sat down, Wycliffe Gordon came over since he had his instrument cases set on a bleacher near us and we spoke to him. We found he is not just a great musician but also a great guy. He went over and started the music. They were amazing.

Carlton Deese, the Executive Director of this home spoke first. He announced the Fort Gordon Joint Service Color Guard who carried in the flags and raise them to half staff. It was beautifully done. Then Julie Eveker, the Associate Director read the roll call of the names of those who died here over the past year who had lived at this home. God bless them.

Next was the twenty-one gun salute and "Taps". That is such a moving experience hearing the guns fire in harmony and then dead silence while "Taps" is being played. How many times before has that bugle call been played. How many times has the Twenty-one gun salute been preformed in the past as the highest honor a nation can render to one who has served. So sad to think of all those that gave their lives so we may be free. God bless each and every one of them. They are all heroes.

Mayor Hardie Davis gave a short but nice speech since he was under the weather. Then Colonel John S.Chu, the Commander of the 706th MI Group and NSA/CSS gave a good speech stating he wanted to keep it short as of the heat. He wanted everyone to know that Memorial Day honors those men and women who can not longer put on their uniform and have given their all.

Then the band played patriotic music including the medley of all the armed forces. Then everyone bowed their head in prayer. The ceremony ended with the band playing God Bless America and everyone singing. It was a beautiful memorial with a few tears shed by all. To this day, I can not hear the Navy song without tears thinking of my father or the Army song, fondly thinking of our time in the service.

Everyone of us has probably known someone who has died while serving our country. We have known many.  Please spend a few minutes thinking of them and sending them prayers on this Memorial Day.  What can you say about someone who is willing to give their life to protect you.   A simple thank you and prayers doesn't seem enough.     Every night, on our front porch, Joe plays "Taps" with a 1941 bugle that was given to him by a fellow veteran and our dear friend, Willie who has passed away. This bugle has been through a lot and is twisted, beaten up, and bent just like some of our veterans but still sounds beautiful and is cherished. When he finishes, he salutes and sends up prayers to all those we have lost.

Entrance to Magnolia Cemetery

Confederate Officer Graves

Union Soldiers graves

Confederate Soldiers graves

Confederate Soldier

When we left there, we headed to beautiful Magnolia Cemetery which was established in 1818 and is  also downtown Augusta to pay our respected to the Confederate graves and the few Union graves that are there. We met a very nice man from Evans who was an historian and was dress in a Confederate outfit. We were all there to pay our respects. It was a pleasure meeting him and learning a little bit about the cemetery.

Confederate Officers graves

In Flanders Fields

Poem by:  Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

MD (1872-1918)

Canadian Army

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, through poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

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