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Out in search of my mind...
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posted May 25, 2008 01:06 PM
Memorial Day (Decoration Day)
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.
--- http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/
Close to 1 million US Military members have been killed in action during wars ranging from the Revolutionary War to the war in Iraq.
They lie in grave-yards throughout this nation, private, public and unmarked. In our country and abroad.
Our ability to speak out against our government. The ability to criticize our leadership without fear of violent reprisal. Our ability to CHOOSE to go out in public armed or unarmed without severe risk of not returning home. The ability in most parts of this nation to go to bed at night and not have to dodge stray bullets. The knowledge that rockets won't rain down on our neighborhoods in the middle of the night or that militant groups won't be taking over schools to gain hostages.
These things and many more we take for granted, and each and every one of those is thanks to the sacrifices made by millions of men and women in our history. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice and laid their lives down for their fellow man, and those who were injured or maimed as well. Those whose families received a neatly folded flag in lieu of their son or daughter. Those whose fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons left to never return. Remember also the families who stay at home and keep things running here.
This Memorial day please take a moment to reflect on just how great our nation is. Sure, there are problems, nothing on this earth is perfect. That perfection we must wait to sample in our eternal life after this one. But for all its warts and wrinkles, this nation is IMO the best place on earth to live. Natural beauty, citizens who are willing to bend over backwards for their neighbors both at home and abroad, basic human freedoms and the recognition of such, the respect for the dignity of ALL backgrounds and beliefs. All protected by the blood of those who serve our nation.
There are only two entities in this world who have offered and given of their lives for the sake of the citizens of this great nation: Jesus Christ and the American GI. Whether or not you choose to believe either or both is up to you.
We need to show honor and respect to those who are serving, and those who have served our nation. We need to be willing to step out of the comfort zone and walk up to one of these uniformed representatives of our nation and thank them for their time and service. We need to be willing to acknowledge that the price they paid is too much to demand to be paid; and recognize that it's given willingly anyway. And we need to be willing to step up to the plate when we see them harangued in public by ungrateful ignorant people and let it be known politely and firmly that kind of behavior is unacceptable and lacking in class.
This Memorial day strive to make it more than a cookout and a day off from school and work. And if you see one of these young men or women around be sure to let them know they are appreciated. You just might not get that chance again.
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tooo slow 4 u
      
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