Memorial Day is tomorrow..it is a very American holiday. I am sure every country has their own version of it, except maybe Switzerland. For those of us in the United States it is a three day week-end, for most a paid holiday off work. So Sat, Sun, Mon to go somewhere special, perhaps. Since it is the beginning of nicer weather in a majority of states, it means BBQ's, parades, picnics, getting together with friends and family. Since we are also not just the land of the free but capitalists, it also means shopping and bargains. Getting a good deal on a new mattress is the American way. It is also an excuse to party..however, wherever and whenever.
For me? Growing up outside of Mokena, IL. which was a small town out in the suburbs of the suburbs, we had a memorial parade. My two oldest brothers were in 7th and 8th grade and in band. We went "downtown" and they marched the main street through town. There was three cemeteries on the route and the band stopped at each one and they played Taps and did the gun salute. I always found it sad and chilling. My younger brother was very proud that he taught himself to play Taps on a bugle instead of a trumpet. (It is way harder) The melody still gives me internal tears and goosebumps to this day, haunting. The rifle salute always shocked me, never got used to it even though you knew it was going to happen. I used to wander through the graveyards and look at names and monuments. I always thought they were beyond beautiful, green and so peaceful.
I think there was a year before my sister started band, we went to Lockport that year. Lockport is right outside of Joliet and is where the majority of my Mom's family is from. We went to a cemetery where my Grandpa Strong and Uncle Melvin were buried. Melvin died in WWII, he was an Air Force pilot...there is some small mystery about how he died. Regardless, it was in service to his country. (Thank-you) There was a space for my Grandma at the time. I remember my Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken were with us. They are all there now, which I find comforting. They knew that is where they were going to be.
Back to Mokena, my sister was in band...then me. The weather, being the Mid-west was really hot, really cold, or raining/sleeting..there was snow on the ground at least once. After grade school, there was 4 more years of High school band, that was in New Lenox. Another slightly larger town, and a really long parade route..*sigh. My senior year, I got to march 5 miles and then go waitress for 9 hours and go to school the next day. After awhile I had to wrap Ace bandages around my ankles to keep the swelling down when I marched. Couldn't do it at work, as we still wore dress-style uniforms with nylons to show off our legs. LOL.
Being the daughter of a retired 20-year Army Master-Sergeant, I was raised to show respect. Not only to my elders, but to any and all serviceman and women, even officers. LOL. Memorial day is not Veteran's day or Armed Forces Day but a day to remember and honor those who died protecting our country..from the first soldiers in the Revolutionary War to the present messes we are in today. We are still at war, and there is a list of the dead every day. I thank a Vet or a military member today knowing that they are or were willing to serve and give up their daily freedom, and risk their lives so I can go have a steak on the grill, or go save 50% on a sale or go shoot a gun for fun. I send a prayer to all those who did die and their families, my small thank you is from my heart. I honor you by continuing to live, teaching my kid's respect and enjoying the freedoms I take for granted. This is the day to realize nothing is free, the price is paid and being paid in death, blood, sweat and tears. God Bless America! and in this country, it can be whatever God you worship or don't.
I love being an American..<3 Thank you!
For me? Growing up outside of Mokena, IL. which was a small town out in the suburbs of the suburbs, we had a memorial parade. My two oldest brothers were in 7th and 8th grade and in band. We went "downtown" and they marched the main street through town. There was three cemeteries on the route and the band stopped at each one and they played Taps and did the gun salute. I always found it sad and chilling. My younger brother was very proud that he taught himself to play Taps on a bugle instead of a trumpet. (It is way harder) The melody still gives me internal tears and goosebumps to this day, haunting. The rifle salute always shocked me, never got used to it even though you knew it was going to happen. I used to wander through the graveyards and look at names and monuments. I always thought they were beyond beautiful, green and so peaceful.
I think there was a year before my sister started band, we went to Lockport that year. Lockport is right outside of Joliet and is where the majority of my Mom's family is from. We went to a cemetery where my Grandpa Strong and Uncle Melvin were buried. Melvin died in WWII, he was an Air Force pilot...there is some small mystery about how he died. Regardless, it was in service to his country. (Thank-you) There was a space for my Grandma at the time. I remember my Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken were with us. They are all there now, which I find comforting. They knew that is where they were going to be.
Back to Mokena, my sister was in band...then me. The weather, being the Mid-west was really hot, really cold, or raining/sleeting..there was snow on the ground at least once. After grade school, there was 4 more years of High school band, that was in New Lenox. Another slightly larger town, and a really long parade route..*sigh. My senior year, I got to march 5 miles and then go waitress for 9 hours and go to school the next day. After awhile I had to wrap Ace bandages around my ankles to keep the swelling down when I marched. Couldn't do it at work, as we still wore dress-style uniforms with nylons to show off our legs. LOL.
Being the daughter of a retired 20-year Army Master-Sergeant, I was raised to show respect. Not only to my elders, but to any and all serviceman and women, even officers. LOL. Memorial day is not Veteran's day or Armed Forces Day but a day to remember and honor those who died protecting our country..from the first soldiers in the Revolutionary War to the present messes we are in today. We are still at war, and there is a list of the dead every day. I thank a Vet or a military member today knowing that they are or were willing to serve and give up their daily freedom, and risk their lives so I can go have a steak on the grill, or go save 50% on a sale or go shoot a gun for fun. I send a prayer to all those who did die and their families, my small thank you is from my heart. I honor you by continuing to live, teaching my kid's respect and enjoying the freedoms I take for granted. This is the day to realize nothing is free, the price is paid and being paid in death, blood, sweat and tears. God Bless America! and in this country, it can be whatever God you worship or don't.
I love being an American..<3 Thank you!
