Memorial Day

 

“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”

Calvin Coolidge

Memorial Day is a day in the United States where we honor those who died while serving in the Armed Forces in our country. It is also a National holiday that is observed the last Monday of May. Originally Memorial Day was set as a day off to decorate the graves of those lost during war time. Many still spend part of their day cleaning and decorating graves by putting flowers or an American Flag on their loved ones graves. For others, it means the beginning of Summer and a well deserved day off to enjoy barbecues, family, and friends.

For some, it is a hard day where they may grieve over a lost son, daughter, husband, wife, father, mother, grandparent, friend, or comrade in arms. These honorable men and woman were of all ages, from early teens  to old men during the Civil War to older teens and men and women in some of the later conflicts. When they raised their hands pledging loyalty to our country, many didn’t think about the sacrifice they may have to make. God bless them all for protecting our country, our freedom, and our people.

Many people go to Memorial day Observances in their home towns. That is how Joe and I spend part of our Memorial Day and this morning was no exception. We headed to downtown Augusta in the Olde Town section where the war monuments are on display. We were glad to be able to finally go to a ceremony since the last two years during Covid, there were none.

When we arrived downtown, the police had blocked traffic in this area of Broad Street.  Walking up to Broad Street,  we saw the large white tents that had been put up so the dignitaries could sit in the shade. As we walked up to the venue, we could hear a bagpiper playing military music. We put our chairs in place for the ceremony which is always done well. There were wreaths set up from the different organizations near the podium.

The hour long ceremony started and ended with a prayer. All in attendance put their heads down during the prayers for all those lost. Their were service members from all services from the Fort Gordon Installation Support Detachment who presented and raised the colors while our National Anthem was played. Next they recognized all the military Organizations that were present. They also recognized Gold Star families in the area. The presiding Mayor, Hardie Davis Jr spoke for a short while as well as Colonel James Turinetti, who was the Commandant of the U. S. Army Signal School and 41st Chief of Signal. He gave a very eloquent speech. Afterwards was the 3-Volley Salute also known as the 21 Gun Salute and Taps. Both are very hard to hear without wiping away a tear or two. The bagpiper played, “Amazing Grace” at the end of the ceremony. It was a beautiful ceremony.   

The unfortunate thing about this ceremony is it really wasn’t advertised so hardly anyone was there. I hope next year, they will do a better job of  the word out.

This afternoon, we will have a barbecue and relax with friends and family as that is what those who fought for our freedom would want. Enjoy your day off but take time to say a prayer or have a moment of silence for those who sacrificed all. They will not be forgotten.

Carol Ayer creation

This well known poem was written in 1917. It was written by John McCrae.

The poem

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, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Till next time. Bye for now.