Memorial Day, 2009

This is Memorial Day weekend. A time to stop and pay homage to those who have fought for our freedom. From the Revolutionary War until the present time, brave men have been willing to give their freedom and lives so that we might live in freedom.





Back in the day when English teachers actually required memorization as part of the curriculum, I chose the following poem. To this day, it still brings a lump to my throat.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark the 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,

love 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 will take time tomorrow to say a prayer of thanks for those men who fought for our freedom in the past, and a prayer of safety to those who, at this very moment, are fighting the terrorism that would take our freedom from us in the present and future.

This is part of the Viet Nam Veteran's Memorial in Highland Park in Rochester, NY. This is one of the most moving tributes I have seen.

~Hippo Hugs~

"One single grateful thought raised to heaven

is the most perfect prayer."

~G.E. Lessing~