[Boomer]

I am not sure sometimes if it was a good idea to give up the traditional May 30 date of Memorial Day, in exchange for this long weekend of parties and picnics and higher gas prices. I guess these long weekends are good for the economy and that's why the traditional date was dropped all those years ago. But I still hope they do not go after The 4th of July and obliterate that traditional date, too.

Like all of you, I remember when Memorial Day was Memorial Day. My parents were very involved in the American Legion and there was always a lot to do for Memorial Day.

There was a really long parade in those days.

At the cemetery, the Gold Star Mothers were honored.

And we were busy with the poppy sales.

Always, at the cemetery, this poem by a WWI medical officer John McCrae "In Flanders Fields" was read. Still is.

...........


In Flanders Fields

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.

.....................................

I bet the veterans' organizations there in TV are selling lots of poppies to make money to help our vets. Here in Ohio, I donated and got my poppy outside the grocery store yesterday and I have it on the strap of my purse. I hope you have a poppy, too.

Mr. Boomer is a veteran, just like so many of you. Thank you.

Boomer

[Whalen]

Boomer,

Thanks for the beautiful post.

We got our Poppys yesterday.

[nONIE]

TheTrue meaning of an honored holiday is so important.

So many find it easy to forget what the holiday is all about, and kids are thrilled to get an extra day off of school.

Yesterday I was in awe of the beauty of our enormous poppy patch in front of our house. It was a startling but beautiful reminder of all our Veterans who sacrificed their lives so we could live freely and happily.
God bless our veterans and all of our future veterans who protect us every day. They are our true heroes.:They are my "American Idols"

[Sgt Mac]

Thank you Boomer and all the Veterans,
The Poppies of Flanders Field no mans land of WW I and todays Memorial Day
is a time to honor the combat service member that gave their all for US
Todays poppies are made by Veterans alot of them are in hospitals as away to honor Vererans and a way for the citizens to remember what the day is all about. Respect and Honor of fallen Veterans
Thanks
Sgt Mac

[njgranny]

out selling poppies as I write. I, too, wish Memorial Day had been left alone. Let's all remember our servicemen and women and be thankful for all they've done for us.

Jan

[golf2140]

I remember when I was younger, it was called Decoration Day. It was a day to decorate the graves of our war hero's. I also remember how my parents were up set by the name change and how I was upset when they changed it to the last Monday.

God Bless our Veterans

[JUREK]

Originally Posted by Sgt Mac

Thank you Boomer and all the Veterans,
The Poppies of Flanders Field no mans land of WW I and todays Memorial Day
is a time to honor the combat service member that gave their all for US
Todays poppies are made by Veterans alot of them are in hospitals as away to honor Vererans and a way for the citizens to remember what the day is all about. Respect and Honor of fallen Veterans
Thanks
Sgt Mac

Yes to all the vets a big thank you

[tony]

[JeanneBeannie]

Originally Posted by nONIE

TheTrue meaning of an honored holiday is so important.

So many find it easy to forget what the holiday is all about, and kids are thrilled to get an extra day off of school.

Yesterday I was in awe of the beauty of our enormous poppy patch in front of our house. It was a startling but beautiful reminder of all our Veterans who sacrificed their lives so we could live freely and happily.
God bless our veterans and all of our future veterans who protect us every day. They are our true heroes.:They are my "American Idols"

Thank you Boomer...you are absolutely right .

Nonie....you really hit the nail on the head and said it perfectly. They ARE OUR AMERICAN IDOLS!!

[Campbell soup]

Thanks Tony..
A Picture is worth a thousand words.... it saids it all.

Thank you Vets

[graciegirl]

Another poem I remember from a long time ago.

"Hats off. Along the street there comes
A roar of bugles a ruffle of drums
And loyal hearts are beating high.
Hats off. The Flag is passing by!"

Hats off to all of you who protected what we all cherish.

Thank you to every man and woman who served our country in uniform.

The rest of you have said it better. I just wanted to add my thanks to all of yours.

[beartrack]

Originally Posted by tony

Thank you Tony. I know that there will be a memorial service tomorrow at the Spanish Springs war memorial. I havn't been able to find out what time it will be held. Does anyone know? I will wait all day if I have to. I hope to see many of you there. We have many to thank for our freedom and many familys to thank for their sacrifice.

[Sgt Mac]

Todays Memorial Day at the villages
it was the best service I was ever at AAA+
Thanks to all that did a great job Thank You
Da Sgt
ps I had my poppy that my wife and I sold last friday