A foreigner approached me today at the SF Memorial Day Ceremony and asked what it is that makes Memorial Day such a "big holiday" in the U.S. He was asking out of complete innocence, not trying to devalue or belittle the holiday in any way. I told him it wasn't a "holiday" like Christmas, but it was a day that we, Americans, set aside to remember and pay tribute to the heroes who have given their lives for our country.
I used to get Memorial and Veterans Day mixed up but have now realized that Memorial Day differs vastly from Veterans Day and from the newly celebrated Armed Forces Day. Veterans Day pays tribute to every Veteran who has served our great nation, while Armed Forces Day recognizes those serving today. Memorial Day asks us to stop and remember our heroes, our wingmen, our brothers in arms and every American patriot who paid the ultimate price for the freedom and democracy we hold so sacredly.
Memorial Day is not a day to be celebrated as if it were the Fourth of July. The distinction has to do with what we are celebrating --not a glorious beginning but an honorable end--an end which, whether it were heroic or not, should be observed and remembered with solemnity and reverence. Memorial Day is a day we dedicate to the dead--to remember those who fell in defense of this country and the ideals which this country stands for.
Here are some of my favorite pics that I shot today at the ceremony... Enjoy ; )
I used to get Memorial and Veterans Day mixed up but have now realized that Memorial Day differs vastly from Veterans Day and from the newly celebrated Armed Forces Day. Veterans Day pays tribute to every Veteran who has served our great nation, while Armed Forces Day recognizes those serving today. Memorial Day asks us to stop and remember our heroes, our wingmen, our brothers in arms and every American patriot who paid the ultimate price for the freedom and democracy we hold so sacredly.
Memorial Day is not a day to be celebrated as if it were the Fourth of July. The distinction has to do with what we are celebrating --not a glorious beginning but an honorable end--an end which, whether it were heroic or not, should be observed and remembered with solemnity and reverence. Memorial Day is a day we dedicate to the dead--to remember those who fell in defense of this country and the ideals which this country stands for.
Here are some of my favorite pics that I shot today at the ceremony... Enjoy ; )
PEACE will come when people live
In friendship, side by side,
And cherish understanding
More than hatred, greed and pride.
PEACE will come when people see
All people as the same,
And no one has to live in fear,
In ignorance, or shame.
PEACE will come when people
Who are needy can reach out
For shelter, food, or love,
And none have to do without.
PEACE will come when people
Learn to listen and to care
About the rights and dignity
Of people everywhere.
PEACE will come when love and trust
And kindness know rebirth,
And on that day all people
Will rejoice in peace on earth.
Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial and had a moment to say "thank you" to someone who has served our beautiful country!
In friendship, side by side,
And cherish understanding
More than hatred, greed and pride.
PEACE will come when people see
All people as the same,
And no one has to live in fear,
In ignorance, or shame.
PEACE will come when people
Who are needy can reach out
For shelter, food, or love,
And none have to do without.
PEACE will come when people
Learn to listen and to care
About the rights and dignity
Of people everywhere.
PEACE will come when love and trust
And kindness know rebirth,
And on that day all people
Will rejoice in peace on earth.
Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial and had a moment to say "thank you" to someone who has served our beautiful country!
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13 comments:
Amazing photos and also very moving.
What amazing pics you've got here....each of them is a story by it self--a story that tell us in a quite way why we celebrate this day.
Thanks for sharing
cielo
Beautiful tribute to our fallen heroes. Your photos have left me at a loss for words...
Thank you.
~Tracie
Wow, those are great pictures! Very moving. You did a great job on these!
You did such an amazing job on your photos, it really touched my heart! Thank you for sharing your day with us...
Hope all is going well with your moving plans, I know how hard it is to make sure all the last minute things are taken care of...even months in advance!
Bless you sweetie!
Donna Lynn
BEAUTIFUL photos! They tug at your heart...thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend. ~ xoxo Joy
Thanks for visiting my blog.When I began blogging, yours was one of the first ones I loved visiting.I enjoyed your Memorial Day photos and your informative notes on why we celebrate that day.
Jan
Good Morning Sweetie,What a beautiful post, thanks for sharing. It is so important to remember,I am a Navy mom and daughter to a Army man who served in the Korean war, and I was always taught to remember always where you came from and Where we live and be thankful for our freedom etc..... and Honor the men and women who fight to protect that everyday! God Bless America! God Bless you Sweetie! Lovely pictures! Hugs Diana Lyn
i love love love your site! i usually hate that most of my workday is spent with nothing to do but blog hop. well, not today! i found you through jason m and it was well worth it! i have a new apt in washington dc and cant wait to start filling it with sweet things from shabby addict!
~maeve
Your photos are amazing! I feel like I was actually there! You can really feel the emotions of the day through your photos! Great job!
Stunning photographs Tracy.
That was a very beautiful tribute. The pictures were heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time. You actually gave me chills.
rue
Found you by way of others ;)
I have really enjoyed your site...I am formally from Calif. and appreciate the named places. I grew up in lovely Monterey! (now far away :(
Touching post about Memorial day and well said! The photos speak volumes! I'm from a military family and my son's have and are serving in Iraq.
Thanks for sharing..
HOPE
please visit if you get a chance..
www.thisisthday-hope.blogspot.com
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