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Lest We Forget




I had the privilege of being raised in a patriotic home. I don't know if it was just the era in which I grew up or the parents I was blessed to have. My father served in Europe in World War II and he spoke often of what he had experienced and the men he served with. A number of my family members were killed during the war and I grew up with a sense of gratitude for being an American. We visited many historic sites when I was growing up, including Arlington National Cemetery. It moved me in 1962 and again, when I visited with blog friends in 2010.

The photo above shows the Tomb of the Unknowns, representing soldiers that are "known only to G'd." The guard is changed throughout the day and the scene is one of the most moving I have ever witnessed.


On this weekend of remembering I offer my gratitude to my parents, and especially to those who served in centuries past and who serve today to insure our freedom.

It's sunny in New York today, but still chilly. I spent most of the day in the office and got done everything I hoped to do. It's not amazing, but three quiet hours are more productive than a regular day. Even with the interruptions that I know will occur in the next week I am optimistic I can do everything I need to get done. Tomorrow is a day to relax, and to post my review of "Ann." I had a little problem loading the photos this evening, but will try again tomorrow.

Wishes for a sunny Monday!

15 comments

The Bashful Nest said...

We live near Arlington and have been to the cemetery several times. I am always hit with the magnitude of loss. We should all be thankful for the awesome country that we get to live in each day all the brave men and women that protect us.
xoxo Michelle thebashfulnest.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Beautiful memories of your family Carol. This time we spent at Arlington together with you, & many others, is very emotional each time.

The hard part is looking at those headstones that represent men & women who gave so much for each of us.

May God bless their caring souls.

I don't know how to follow thru google+ ...

Have a lovely holiday weekend.
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

TARYTERRE said...

Wonderful memories, you have indeed. I spent the early evening decorating graves in honor of tomorrow.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Carol, I was fortunate to grow up in a patriotic home also. My mother was always one of the Cemetery Committee members. They made sure the cemetery was really decorated on Memorial Day.

I remember when I was working fulltime --and would go to work early just to get something done when it was quiet....

Let's never forget those men and women who died for our freedom. God Bless America.
Hugs,
Betsy

Dee @ A Deecoded Life said...

Happy memorial day!

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Afternoon Carol, Thank you so much for visiting Ivy, Phyllis and Me! and leaving your kind comment.
Memorial weekend is an important time to remember the brave service men and women who gave their lives so we can enjoy our freedoms today.
We hold Remembrance Day in November, where "old soldiers" march through towns and cities to honour the bravery of soldiers who have gone before. Church services are also held throughout the country.
My Gramps was in the Royal Navy in World War II and my father served in the British Army and served in Korea.
We must never forget these brave men and women, as we owe them so much.
Best Wishes to you,
Daphne

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Ooops, forgot to say, I have become a Citzen of Buttercupland..... I just love that name.

Daphne

Sharon said...

Good Morning and greetings from my own living room in Tennessee! We arrived home yesterday afternoon and are still spending lots of time talking about the wonderful experiences we had in NY. Can't believe our meeting was now over a week ago - seems like yesterday! Enjoy your last week of work and savor every moment.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

It seems that when we were growing up people were more patriotic. Yet even in our little town we still have a parade. It has been chilly here too. We did spend a lot of outdoor time as it was sunny but I'd have enjoyed it more if it was a tad warmer. Glad you were able to get your office things done. Hope you enjoy a wonderful Memorial Day.

Theresa said...

Beautiful! I am forever grateful to those who gave their lives for our Freedom!! Hugs to you on this Memorial Day!

Ms Sparrow said...

I am fortunate in that I don't have any family members or relatives lost in the military service. I had an uncle who was a POW of the Japanese during WWII, but he never spoke about it. He came back and lived a simple, humble life. We can only guess what his wartime experiences cost him.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful memories of your parents you have shared. Joining with you in thanking all those who have served and continue to do so. Wishes for a lovely afternoon.

Susie said...

It's chilly again here today and cloudy.... Hope you have a good day. My brothers and uncles served, both my father and step-father served also. When I saw the changing of the guard at Arlington, I cried. It's so moving. I will always be thankful for our service people. xoxo,Susie

Mevely317 said...

I, too, was blessed to grow up in a Patriotic Home. While my dad also served in WWII (Navy), he rarely spoke of his experiences. (Yet, he was usually first in line to buy a poppy!) Sometimes, I think he (and my mother) would be crestfallen if they were to witness the ambivalence -- disrespect even, that too many people shrug off.
Great post ... I hope someday to see Arlington with my own eyes.

Stephanie said...

This was beautiful, Carol. I am so grateful for the men and women who have done and continue to do so much for our country. Thank you for this post.

Love and hugs!