John 14:26
26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” ~ Biblegateway.com
Who taught you about Memorial Day?
How were you reminded of it’s meaning?
I’m sad to say I didn’t remember what it was really meant for when I was younger; and then as a working adult it turned into an extra day off, providing a long weekend away from the grind of the daily grind.
But I can honestly say, “Whenever I would see pictures or footage of Arlington Cemetery, even when I was a kid, I would get all choked up, and not know why. I still get choked up when I see it.”
And now as a “vintage adult” trying to get a handle on my education of our countries principles and how those came about, and are kept about, I’m trying to ingrain in my heart and mind that today is for the fallen.
For all those who lost their lives in a pursuit that they dearly believed in… for themselves, and for others.
I’ve made it a point to say, “Thank you,” to vets I see out in the world.
And for the last few years I’ve made it a point to fly Old Glory from my porch, you should see it when “dawns early light” hits it. It tugs at you.
As most of you probably have, I’ve had multiple family members serve in our military, they don’t know it, but those guys are my heroes… even my little brother, The Marine.
It is by far my biggest life regret that I did not take the opportunity to step up and join up.
But today certainly isn’t about me; and not even so much of those who made it home; it is for The Fallen.
We call it sacrifice. A giving up of their life… to protect ours; those they were helping; and the buddy fighting right along side of them.
Today I can “only remember them”… and say, “Thank You.”
For the Fallen
By Laurence Binyon
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.
Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England’s foam.
But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
Source: The London Times (1914)
theemergingman.com 