Memorial
Day
Memorial
Day
We remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty
" . . . the Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave."
| As Memorial Day approaches the meaning of these words, the last few in Francis Scott Key’s "Star Spangled Banner" begin to stand out. Though the words were written over a century ago, they are just as relevant today. The men and women serving in our Armed Forces ARE the Brave, the United States of America IS the "Land of the Free", and their home; our home. |
| Time an again throughout our history we have asked these brave soldiers to defend our nation and aid our Allies fighting tyranny and evil. Time an again they have responded. Many of them giving their lives in the process for their country and what we stand for. |  |
| The Revolutionary War; War of 1812; The US Civil War; Spanish-American War; World War I; World War II; Korea; Vietnam; Desert Storm; the list is long, the price high. So many lives... We live in a better world because of their sacrifice. Let us not forget. |
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The month of May is very special. First we honor our servicemen & women, the third Saturday on Armed Forces Day (May 15th), then the last Monday, Memorial Day, we remember and honor those killed in the service of our country. |
Show your support for all the members of our Armed Forces; remember those who gave their lives, and say a prayer for those who are serving abroad. Break out your flag and fly it proudly. On Memorial Day your flag should fly at half-mast until noon, then raise it and let it fly. If you have a family member or friend in the military, sit down and write them a letter. Tell them how much you love them. Or just give them a hug when you see them. |
| As we remember our fallen heroes, take a moment to also remember those missing in action. The lives lost in the battles of our past have strengthened the foundation of our freedoms, which are the envy of the world. We enjoy a freedom that is unique in all the world, cherish it, the blood of our ancestors made it possible and those that serve our nation help to preserve it. |
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Let us not forget. |
| The next time you see a man or woman in the uniform of our Armed Forces, remember why we have them, remember their sacrifices. When you see the flag of these United States flying majestically in the breeze, remember what it stands for, take pride in that and be proud to be an American. |
(c)1999 Michael A. Retherford & Linwood Lodge #567, pictures as indicated on each
