"The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be: a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Consider:
visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes
visiting memorials
flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon
flying the "POW/MIA Flag" as well
participating in the local, regional and national Memorial Day events
at 3 p.m. on Monday, pausing and thinking of the true meaning of the day, have Taps played
renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans
"Return the solemn meaning back to the day, and return minds and hearts to think upon the ultimate sacrifices made by those in service to our country. Just one day out of the year to honor our loved ones, our ancestors, our friends who died in conflicts and wars -- not to honor war, but those that died in those conflicts and wars."
The U.S. Memorial Day.org website linked above has a lot of good information and images worth reading and sharing.
Last edited by Peggy M; 05/26/20244:44 PM.
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
Thanks for putting this up! Your message resonates with me down to my core. My biggest wish is that your message will be repeated and shared to reach more than just our community. It is a sad fact that so many these days don't get what the day is about at all! I guess it's up to us to keep educating and reminding them!
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Here is a story about one of our own, Chris "ndkid275" Felchie (Moderator for Interiors and Texas Connection), doing a number of things suggested in first post by Dusty -- and then some. What an impact: "Some veterans parked their cars and cried at the sight."
Originally Posted by the Herald-Zeitung.
Along a sidewalk in New Braunfels' Veramendi neighborhood, a memorial display is prompting passersby to stop and remember the country’s fallen heroes. The display includes the flags of each military branch. At the foot of each flag sits the symbol for fallen soldiers, including a helmet, boots and weapon.
Veramendi resident Chris Felchle created the display with the support of his neighborhood community. Felchle served nearly 29 years in the U.S. Army.
“The reason why this went up is we’ve all lost somebody, right, especially a lot of us veterans, we’ve lost a lot of people during our time of service,” Felchle said. "It’s our opportunity to honor them and never forget them ᠁ and that’s what it’s all about – remembering, saying their names so they’re not forgotten.”
Figures of kneeling soldiers are on each side of the display. Written on the sidewalk in chalk are names of fallen military service members that community members have penciled in remembrance. As of Wednesday morning, 24 names were displayed. The community is invited to add names.
Felchle has also led an effort to place American flags in yards throughout the Veramendi neighborhood to honor those who have served. Someone has tied yellow ribbons to trees throughout the neighborhood. Neighbors have donated money toward both the display and the flag initiative. Felchle said he credits the Live Oak Boy Scouts for teaching him how to assemble the display flags. The business Knotty Cabinetry cut out wood designs for the memorial display.
The Veramendi neighborhood has a large veteran population, Felchle said, and these initiatives have helped bring veterans out of their homes, talk with each other about their experiences and get the help that they need. He said he's enjoyed having such a visible and prominent neighborhood display, Felchle said. He recalls getting goosebumps as people honked their horns and yelled in support when they saw him placing the flags. Some veterans parked their cars and cried at the sight.
“That’s what it’s all about, bringing the community together and getting people help that they need,” Felchle said.
Felchle said it is important to remember that Memorial Day is not a day for veterans, but a day to specifically to honor and remember the military heroes that have died in service.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery || In the Gallery Forum "I didn't see this one coming. I don't see much of anything coming. :-O"
“May we never forget that freedom isn't free.” “We don't know them all, but we owe them all.” “Our flag doesn't fly because the wind moves it, but because of the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” “We come not to mourn our dead heroes but to praise them.”
