Honest
ComprehensivePart and parcel of Memorial Day celebrations around here include the local parade and memorial service at a cemetery. The boys march in the parade with the Scouts, then have a part in the service before officially retiring any flags that are too old or damaged to fly any more.
This is a special day. First we wait for the parade. Both the Captain and the Manager decided they had to sit on a lap instead of on the curb. Hubby did a good job managing two wiggly boys while I snapped pictures of unsuspecting victims.
Leading the way each year is a group of military folks, both retired and active duty.
Following right behind are the Scouts. Aren’t they handsome??
After the parade, everyone heads over to the cemetery for the service. The program this year didn’t differ much from last, but that didn’t detract from the meaning of the words one bit.
I don’t know which poem recited by the local high school students is my favorite. This year I was particularly moved by the poem We Shall Keep the Faith, written in response to the very famous poem Flanders Fields.
We Shall Keep the Faith
by Moina Michael, November 1918
Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet – to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.
We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.
And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.
To all who have served or are serving in the armed forces……
Thank you.
From the bottom of my heart.
Earnest Parenting: help for parents who are so grateful.
Earnest Parenting: Encouraging heroes. You can be one, too.
Lance Nelson
Hi Amy,
A really nice post and a wonderful poem, thank you for sharing. A vyer sensitive remined that we owe the armed forces so much.
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Amy LeForge
Hi Lance, I’m glad you like it! My boys will think I’m silly but that one makes me cry every year.
Joel
Great tribute, and excellent photos. Thanks
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Amy LeForge
Hi Joel, thanks. It was a very cloudy day, which is my favorite kind of day for picture-taking. The colors come out so much better on cloudy days.
David Rogers
We don’t celebrate Memorial Day here, but have Remembrance Sunday on the second Sunday in November. Whilst there are parades, they tend to be centred around churches or war memorials and don’t get the degree of support they deserve. Nice to see your whole family taking part.
.-= David Rogers´s last blog ..Time for Change =-.
Amy LeForge
David, we have a remembrance day in November as well, called Veteran’s Day. Memorial Day here is both about soldiers and other lost loved ones, and traditionally folks go and decorate graves of family members with flowers for the year. The celebrations tend to center around veterans and soldiers, especially in war-time. Sadly this parade didn’t get as much attention as last year. We had time to see all of it then drive around to the cemetery only to see the whole parade again. Hopefully it’s just because of the threatening weather that many folks pulled out. Last year we barely made it to the memorial service on time because the parade was so much bigger.
Debbie @ Happy Maker
Wonderful and Thanks Amy. You took some great pictures and that was a wonderful poem. Here in Colorado it turned out to be a beautiful to honor all those who have died so we are free.
Thanks Amy that was wonderful!
Debbie
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Amy LeForge
Debbie, I’m glad you had a beautiful day! It actually brightened up here for a while, and honestly it couldn’t have been nicer for the parade. We had shade for the service, then sun for the afternoon a bit before the rain at dinner. By then it was time to retire to the basement for a lovely evening of family time. I declared myself done for the day and got on my pj’s and snuggled on the couch in front of the TV. Heavenly!
Bruce "the Mid-Life Mentor"
I appreciate anyone who remembers the sacrifices of others, be they in the military or on the home front. I was drafted into the Army and later served as a Naval medical services corp officer,I appreciate anyone who remembers my comrades who fell in service to their country. Thanks for your commentary and for sharing your experiences.
.-= Bruce “the Mid-Life Mentor”´s last blog ..Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-05-30 =-.
Amy LeForge
Bruce – it’s not just the ones who fell that we remember…it’s all of you. Thank you again for the time and service to allow the rest of us our freedoms.
Corinne Edwards
Dear Amy -
Loved the pictures.
We are big on the scouts in our family. Anytime I see a testimonial to them it brings tears to my eyes -not only about the scouts but the selfless parents that keep this tradition going.
My son was a Cubmaster and is now with the Boy Scouts.
I have seen the effect on these young people. It is a example that lasts their whole lives. It involves a lot more than tying knots.
My late husband was an Eagle Scout..
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Amy LeForge
Hi Corinne, I’m so glad you liked the photos! You’re right, Scouts are wonderful and I’m really pleased with the growth I’ve seen in the boys over the years. It’s a wonderful organization.
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these are the wonderful photos of the parade.
Andrew @ Blogging Guide
You have captured the day perfectly. As others say, great pics. I love the one with the Scouts holding the flags (by the cemetery).
Andrew
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That’s nice way to appreciate the scouts i like it.
Your blog template design was awesome.
Tina@RideonToys
What a great poem and tribute to those who dedicate themselves to serving our country!
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Lisa
Hi Amy:
What a great poem and beautiful tribute!
Camille
The poem is very touching! Thank you. We don’t really celebrate Memorial Day here — aside from having the day off from work and a three day weekend for the kids — so this was a great reminder of what Memorial Day is truly about. The pictures are great too! I loved the candid shot of the boys.
Thanks again!
Eat Smart Age Smart
What a great and inspiring post for such an incredible day.
Krizia
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Benjamin
Thank you, Amy… and I agree with Bruce:
It’s wonderful to see people appreciating the sacrifices of others.
Amazing all the things that had to take place… just for any one of us to be here.
keep smiling,
Benjamin
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Jen @ Blog writing services
This is such a lovely post, and a great way of remembering.
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Beat Schindler
We have so much to be grateful for, and Memorial Day with it roots in the Civil War has a special place and significance. I love the poem you selected – “to rise anew.”
Shreya
A really nice post and a wonderful poem, thank you for sharing. A vyer sensitive remined that we owe the armed forces so much.i like it so much…
cheryl from thatgirlisfunny
Even a few days later, your tribute still has impact. Seems like as I get older Memorial Day means more to me. It used to be just a good day off. Thank you for reminding us to take the time to acknowledge the day and the sacrifices our military and their families make.
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Manuela
hello amy!
what a great poem,it is a very touching poem..The pictures are great too!A great way of remembering.Thank you..:)
Michelle Vandepas
Such great photos! What a beautiful day and ceremony. Living in Colorado Springs we have a lot of service people, but a small memorial day celebration. Weird
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Raymond Chua
What a great way to express ones gratitude to others.
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Val Garner
Beautiful photos and poem! We must also remember so many walking wounded among us as well. So many lives shattered in them and their loved ones for their sacrifice. Thank you again for the beautiful poem.
Mitch
A nice poem to commemorate an important and Inspirational day for all of us. Thanks for sharing it and the pictures
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A really nice post and a wonderful poem, thank you for sharing.
mauta
A really nice post and a wonderful poem, thank you for sharing. A vyer sensitive remined that we owe the armed forces so much.
preeti
Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet – to rise anew!
Really very nice poem and good post..i like it
thanks for sharing this to us..:)
Anna
Amazing! nice post and good poem,i like it nd enjoyed it
thanks for sharing this poem to us
Jana
awesome poem,really very nice…thanks for sharing this to us
nice post dude!
Tyrone
Hi Amy,
Sorry I think I missed this and so went up here so late. I liked the pictures you’ve included in this post. Everyone seems happy even though it’s a bit tiring ceremony and these 3 guys of your life look so happy as well.
This will serve as good reminder for our great soldiers.
Thanks,
Tyrone
sarah
Hello Amy,
i would like to say thank you for sharing this cool blog and poem,really very awesome post..
good job,keep it up..