Memorial Day Can Be More Than 24 hours
Memorial Day! It’s over for another year. Something makes me want to make it last longer than a day or a weekend. It is so vitally important to continue all year long. Simply say “Hi” to a Veteran, and thank them for their service. That small recognition means so much.
In years past, Veterans had been honored with parades, but other times, have been ridiculed and shamed. Thankfully, in recent years there has been a shift in the public’s attitude. Those that have not served can not understand what Veterans have been through, but they can honor that service with a respectful smile and nod.
The summer timeline spins by so quickly from Memorial Day, then Flag Day, and of course the 4th of July. I recently attended a Flag Retirement Ceremony held by VFW Post 3767. I recommend that every American attend one. The event was solemn, respectful, and inspirational. There is a lot to learn about our flag. The thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies, and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The red stripes symbolize hardiness and valor, the white symbolizes purity and innocence, the blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Our flag is known worldwide. It has been and still is an inspiration of freedom for many, going all the way back to the Battle of Fort McHenry during the Revolutionary War. The Fort had been under attack all night by the British. Frances Scott Key was on board a British ship negotiating the release of some prisoners, and was held on the ship during the battle. When he looked out at Ft. McHenry as the sun came up, he saw that the “flag was still there”. The Fort had raised a thirty by forty-two-foot United States Flag. The British realized that they could not overtake the fortifications of Ft. McHenry and retreated.
Key wrote a few notes for a future poem about the event. His brother-in-law set the poem to music and was published as the “Star Spangled Banner”. Many years later in 1930, Congress adopted the song as our National Anthem.
Our flag represents who we are, and has meaning for each of us. The more you know, the more meaning it has. Let’s put politics aside, remember we are brothers and sisters, attend some patriotic events this season, celebrate America and our Freedom!
Remember our veterans, greet them with a hearty thanks!
Join our mission to honor and serve all veterans. Become a member, visit our website or Facebook. We all need PURPOSE in our lives, what matters to you?
May God Bless our military…past…present…and future!
