An incredibly important day, though as many point out should be thought about every day. As I was looking through some websites for Memorial Day history for my own information, I found this site: remember.gov. It's mission statement is to (paraphrased) encourage and promote Americans to honor the fallen and their families throughout the year, and it's got some really interesting information including lots of historical facts.
I enjoyed reading about this precious day, but the more I read the more my eyes teared up. There is nothing in this world like a soldier fighting and dying for his beliefs, his country, his family and his friends. Or, even more, for the freedom of another country full of people he'll never meet. I started singing Amazing Grace.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.
John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779)
I know that today many volunteers will be placing American flags all over my small hometown, I wish I could be there to see it.
God bless America, and God bless the soldiers
You are right Kath. We should remember them all year round.
Posted by: Pat | May 28, 2007 at 05:20 AM