It’s Memorial Day here in the US.
This day has always meant different things to different people ranging from remembering those who served in our Armed Forces to the symbol of the start of the summer season and a long three-day weekend.
I could handle those opposing thoughts, but now it seems it has also taken on a political meaning, and the flag is only flown by individuals who follow certain political beliefs.
Politics over the past several years has left me mentally exhausted. I choose normally to not partake in political conversations, but I’m making this one exception.
This flag does not belong to one particular political party or point of view. It belongs to us – we the people.
The flag flies at my home on Memorial Day because I remember and honor my husband, his brothers, my uncles, our friends, and every member of your family who left the comfort of their home to serve in our Armed Forces.
In my opinion, Memorial Day is all about one simple thing – remembering those who sacrificed on our behalf. 🇺🇸
Memorial Day 2020 has taken on additional meaning because of all the front line and essential workers who have sacrificed on our behalf during this invisible war against Covid-19. Thank you to each and every one of you who have worked through this crisis as most of us have sheltered safely in place.
Stay well this week, friends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again for everything you do to never forget and always honor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thank you !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful tribute to our fallen heroes Judy. Your words say it all.
🐾Ginger 🐾
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, friend.
LikeLike
Judy, thank you for this reminder about our flag and Memorial Day. We are proud to fly our flag today and every day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love flying the flag, and remembering how we all got here and the sacrifice so many have made to allow us to be free. Long may she wave.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree 🇺🇸
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree also!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My husband puts out the flag for this weekend and doesn’t take it down until Labor Day. It doesn’t represent any “specialty” group of people. It represents all of us as diverse as we are. Both my brothers were in the service but luckily both avoided war by timing. One brother was in after WWII and the other was in after the Korean War. Most of my contemporaries fought in Viet Nam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a good plan to me. 🇺🇸 Thank you to your family for their service and sacrifice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a very good message, Judy. We cannot allow the American Flag to become a standard for anything else other than our freedom and the long line of brave men and women who fought and died to preserve that freedom.
Stay safe.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is a powerful sentence you wrote because those 34 words say it all. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. I’m just echoing your message.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As someone who is left, left of center, there is a lot I could write, but I won’t. But I will write this: fly the flag high.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Laurie. You and I have been friends for several years. I respect your ‘left of center’ and I appreciate your tolerating my ‘middle of the road,’ But, it is good that we can both agree on ‘fly the flag high.’
LikeLiked by 2 people
You bet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very important message, Judy. It pains me how our flag has been politicized. Those who have died in defense of our country came in all shapes, sizes, colors, beliefs, and political affiliations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right about the range of brave men and women who have stood watch for us. I thank each and every one of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In the end, we are all AMERICANS regardless of political affiliation. Among us are those who fought wars both past and present, and those who show up today to check out groceries, deliver mail, and tend to those who’ve fallen ill (sometimes as a result of their own arrogance and non-compliance). I agree with you, Judy! Most of us are good, patriotic people. God bless us every one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, Joyce. Thank you to your family members who have served, and may we all try to make it easier on these folks who are filling those essential roles today by following the rules.
LikeLike
It is sad how everything has become politicized – but one should focus on what things mean to them rather than others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we have to do what feels right and true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hear, hear, Judy, well put. Without the ability to assemble for parades, picnics or holidaying, the true meaning of Memorial Day is able to be observed. Originally Decoration Day, it was to honor and decorate the graves of those who died in war, serving our country. Hopefully, today will see more reflection on that front.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Flag is flying here in memory, and I applaud all the volunteer organizations who decorate the cemeteries for this holiday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully put, Judy. No one has a monopoly on patriotism. Great post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that middle sentence. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hear, hear!! The loss of civility, even in disagreement, saddens and concerns me almost more than anything else these days. You don’t have to believe our country is perfect (no country is) to feel proud to fly the flag and to feel it reflects everyone. Memorial Day, for those who died during war, and Veteran’s Day, for all who fought, are holidays we should feel good about celebrating as they help us remember all who died for our freedoms, even the freedom to be a/an _______________ (fill in the blank with the negative word of your choice.)
If we forget them, we are truly lost.
janet
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great comment and so true. I have several words I could insert in the blank so thank you for the chuckle also. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
All the males in my family did all they could to serve and show their respect to our nation and its flag. Today was so quiet but calming at the same time. I shut off the news so sick of of all the hatred out there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you to your family. I normally limit my news intake, but I find I watch less and less each day. Since this pandemic started, the traffic has been extremely light, but yesterday, it was eerie with so few cars on the road. Strange times. Stay well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes certainly was quiet around here though every now and then you hear someone ripping up and down the country road knowing the police are far and few in between as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Memorial Day around here is usually a big deal. Lots of US flags and bunting and fireworks, but this year the celebration is subdued. Partly because of rain, partly because of the pandemic. I’m missing all the hoopla but understand why. Hope your day is respectfully festive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yesterday was Day 71 for us. No festivities, but we had good conversation, got some gardening in, and enjoyed some good food and reading. Hope you had a good weekend although probably quieter than normal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much quieter than normal, but I will not complain. We are healthy, we are safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good words, Judy! As new American citizens two years ago, we gladly join another 10 families on our street of retirees to honor the memory of those who fell. Our fathers and grandfathers served in the (British) armed forces in WW I and WWII; one grandfather died, the other limped out of the Somme and carried that wound all his life. My father commanded a Naval vessel that was in Ceylon on its way to the Pacific at the end of WWII. I give thanks for their service, and have often wondered how my childhood would have been shaped by my lost grandfather, a school principal. Let the memories continue and the flags fly high!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you to your family for service to defend your countries and to your neighborhood for remembering. Isn’t it interesting as an adult to wonder how life would have been different if those lost had been a part of your life. I often wonder about my two young uncles who died in WWII and what things would have been like if they’d married and had children. I like your last sentence. 🙂 Hope you and all of your loved ones are still well and staying safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fly the flag high Judy …I absolutely agree our flags are for those who fought wars for our freedom, and our flag is for everyone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is something about going past a home that has a flag flying proudly. It just hits a cord with me. Hope you are well and staying safe. Your country is certainly doing better than most in the numbers category of this pandemic, and that is a really good thing.
LikeLike
Well said, Judy!! I agree totally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m late but still my opinions are loud and with you completely. People want to see the flag as a political statement because everyone is itching for a fight these days. Or so it seems to me. Some fights are worth fighting, and many, like your family, have given their lives and limbs exactly because of that. But some fights are contrived.
It is right to wonder what was lost with those lives in the service. And with all the lives lost, especially in service to others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess I’m too naive, but I always thought the flag was outside of politics. I hate to think it can be used for other purposes, but I probably need to accept reality. I will continue to fly it with sincere respect for everyone who served.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that our reality is what counts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great reminder that these sort of days are about remembrance and acknowledgement, not having a barbecue on a long weekend. Thank you to the members of your family who have served.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and to your family as well.
LikeLike
We had a neighbor (who was a veteran) who passed away two days before Memorial Day. He had already put up his flag on his home. When neighbors learned of his passing, the area around his mailbox was filled with small American flags. It was a lovely tribute that I know he would have loved.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear of your loss, but I love the small flags as a memorial. Good idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with your thoughts. “Mentally exhausting.”
And the Red White and Blue belongs to us.
We fly it everyday.
Sorry I am late to comment but you are not showing up in my reader. I had to manually come to you. So… now I signed up to get an email when you post! Hope that helps!
Happy Gardening to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was mentally exhausted by the virus, but now when you add the violence around the country, it moves into a new category, and it makes me so sad. Stay well whether you are in AZ or PA for June. It looked like you definitely had fun with your kayak. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for strolling along with me.
It’s been a sad weekend. We need peace in our country.
Sending you stay well wishes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mentally exhausting.” is indeed how I would describe me too. I can’t believe I’m still functioning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some days keeping one foot in front of the other is a major accomplishment. Stay well.
LikeLike
To me, it means the time to remember and honor our ancestors. Since the 1950s it has been used to honor our veterans. The first time I am ashamed of my country.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Current events are trying everyone’s thoughts about our country and our fellow citizens. Tough times. I hope we live to see better times.
LikeLike
Good morning Judy,
Love this post, we all need to remember those that have given their lives to protect us. We are proud to fly our flag today and every day.
Michael
http://www.MichaelsWoodcrafts.com
LikeLiked by 1 person