Sunday, May 30, 2010

Proud to be an American


And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free,
and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.      
                          ~Lee Greenwood
                          

I love this song, it sums up how I feel about this beautiful land that I love and I'm so grateful for our brave men and women who we honor this Memorial Day weekend by decorating their graves and we also remember our loved ones who have gone before us with floral tributes, too.  


This cemetery is where I placed flowers at the gravesites today of my parents, both sets of grandparents and my two brothers.   And numerous other relatives.  The tree in the center was planted by my father behind my mother's headstone over 30 years ago. 

I was surprised by the lack of flags this year.  Usually they have flags at all of the veteran's graves, but maybe they are just late getting it done this year.   I hope that the younger generations will remember our fallen heroes as well as their loved ones and continue this tradition of "Decoration Day" and not just let it be a 3 day holiday where they only think of barbeques and good times.   Let us never forget.  

The following poem is one that speaks to me.  

WHEN I AM GONE

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.

Then forget to grieve for my going.
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay.

And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.
                                     ~ Mrs. Lyman Hancock 

I always try to go to the cemetery in the evening, it is so peaceful.  So how about you?  Did you have someone whose gravesite you decorated with flowers?  
Have a wonderful weekend!

Until next time...

5 comments:

  1. All gave some...

    Some gave all...

    May you have a peaceful Memorial Day!

    Gentle hugs...

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  2. Well, after I stop crying . . . I will tell you what a beautiful post this was! Memorial Day is always so emotional for me, as for so many others who have lost loved ones.

    Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day.

    Blessings,
    Barb

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  3. I am Barb's sister. She told me about your blog and I am like her and cried reading the poem. Thank you so much for sharing it. I love your blog.

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  4. Thanks, Karen Beth, for visiting. I've always wished I had a sister and you are sure lucky to have a wonderful one like Barb! Hope to see you here again, and I'll be checking out your blog, too. Have a good week!
    ~Cheryl

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  5. Loved this post on Memorial Day. The pictures are touching.
    I too did a post on memorial day so check it out.
    http://lgwilliams.blogspot.com
    Blessings to you! LeAnn

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