Memorial Day 2011

Are they dead that yet speak louder than we can speak, and a more universal language?  Are they dead that yet act?  Are they dead that yet move upon society and inspire the people with nobler motives and more heroic patriotism? 

~Henry Ward Beecher

I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day.  I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it.  We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did. 

~Benjamin Harrison

I recall my daughter & her friend, age 7 or 8, playing a game (something about counting) when we once visited Veterans Cemetery in West L.A. for Memorial Day.  Our little girl called out from a row of headstones in front of us, "Mom look, they're all standing at attention just like they used to, you know, before."

May all TA/SST readers enjoy a Memorial Day weekend spent with family & friends.

 

-Maureen Lang

Comments

[Jim Ticehurst]

Thank you Maureen...

[Dave Williams]

I just drove down Wilshire to catch the freeway into the valley, but because of your post I went down Sepulveda Blvd. instead to look at the Veterans Cemetary. The Boy Scouts are already out there this morning putting flags next to the headstones. Thanks for this post. Enjoy your Memorial Day holiday, Maureen.