Tuesday is the day to share a “Slice of Life” with Two Writing Teachers. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
What do you know about Memorial Day? What does Memorial Day mean to you?
Does your knowledge impact how you celebrate Memorial Day? There is a plethora of information available and this post contains just a sample from many possibilities. Articles, videos, and pictures can be found on the History Channel, this website, and the national Memorial Day Concert here. You decide which one (s) add to your increased understanding!
One quote that stands out from the concert link is this:
“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”
– James A. Garfield
May 30, 1868 Arlington National Cemetery
From my daughter-in-law’s post (wife of active Army soldier) on face book ~
“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.” — Thucydides
Accompanied by Uncle Larry’s flag ~
From my sister ~ Celebrating family members
The six name plates in the bottom right hand corner of the first picture are all family members!
And the words of JFK in the memorial in Washington, Iowa.
From my brother who continues to serve ~
From my sister-in-law ~
“Thank you to all who have served to protect our freedoms. Your sacrifices are not unnoticed.”
From my sister’s sister-in-law ~
The memorial near Albia, Iowa (21 crosses for the 21 gun salute)
Gary Vought posted this on Twitter ~
@ThreeLakesWI cemetary
From Arlington National Cemetary ~
From The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ~
And even Hawkeye Football posted this ~
“Land of the free because of the brave. Thank you to those who have sacrificed so much for this great country!”
How do we know what Memorial Day means to you?
A Day Off or A Day to Celebrate Heroes?
How did you spend Memorial Day? Did you ~
Celebrate?
Honor?
Remember?
What pictures and/or words are important to you?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts below!
Resource - Full 
Thanks for stopping by my slice this morning. We are on the same wave length. Your quotes and pictures are truly the reason why we “celebrate” this special day and every day. Thanks to all who serve and their families.
Thanks, Judy! Your slice was so eloquent! ( http://myreadingblog-jac.blogspot.com/2014/05/tuesday-sol-52714-remembering.html ) It’s important to “remember” but I often wonder what the “remembering” is all about! I’m so thankful that our family members have returned home safely!
It is important to honor those who gave their lives. I almost posted on Facebook myself a photo of my son in red, white and blue but instead enjoyed the days with them, thanks to our brave mean and women in the military. Great communal share here!
Thanks for making the time to comment. Our brave military does need to be thanked, and often! It is hard to explain the degree of “angst” that exists when a loved one is at a military post in the US or on foreign soil away from friends and family. I kinda understood, 22 years ago, when husband, brother, brother-in-law and nephews for a grand total of 9 family members were deployed due to “Desert Storm” but I really understood when it was my own son, serving two tours in a combat zone!
There is a high “cost” for freedom . . . even if it is elusive!
I always feel that lose sight of what Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day is all about. Thank you for pointing out what it’s all about, what we need to remember…and honor.
Thanks, Tara!
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the fun stuff – the beginning of summer – boating, fishing, barbecue, etc. but a few minutes of attention and thanks goes a long, long way!
You are right. Too many do forget the meaning of Memorial Day. Our young people particularly. Visits to veteran’s memorials are an important stop for everyone, especially our children. They (we) have so much because of the steadfast bravery of our armed forces. I actually like the Hawkeye quote best. Simple and true.
Julieanne
Thanks, Julieanne!
Many things happen in the lives of “everyone” but remembrances can be anytime. Critical that “service” of and for others continues to be discussed in homes and schools. We cannot continue to exist as “gimme” society.
The Hawkeye quote is nice due to its brevity!
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