Memorial Day is not just a picnic

[Guest guest]

Memorial Day is not just a picnic

At one time many graveyards were within church grounds and it was not

uncommon to have a communal meal after services. During good weather

these meals might be held outside in the graveyard. Military graveyards

were often at the site of the battle fields where the soldiers had

fallen. The custom of the Memorial Day picnic probably arose from the

custom of taking a picnic to the cemetery when one visited or attended

memorial commemorations.

I hope that this Memorial Day weekend we will all take at least a moment

to remember all those who have given their lives in service of this

country and the principles for which it stands. You may or may not visit

a cemetery or lay a wreathe at a memorial, you may not attend a parade

or wear a poppy or red shirt or attend any special memorial function but

I hope that you will pause an remember those who have fallen and what we

all owe to them. Our safe homes, our freedoms, have been bought with

these lives.

 

Mailbox boxes are full of ads for sales and food and entertainments for

Memorial Day weekend parties, picnics and barbecues. These often have no

mention of memorial commemoration.

Most of the news stories about the Memorial Day Weekend are about

traffic and travel. Initially this started to trigger a snippy side but

then I remembered how much Daniel Noble enjoyed gatherings with his

family and friends. Most of those who have given their lives in the

service of this country probably also enjoyed these festivities. It is

perfectly all right to enjoy the weekend with picnics and parties etc.

Part of our memorial observation can be expressed in our appreciation

for the gifts and pleasures we have in our lives now . Probably the most

important thing we we can do for a genuine commemoration of those who

have fallen is to honor them, by honoring all those who have served and

do serve this nation. We must do everything possible to make certain

that they are welcomed when they return. We must take steps to ensure

that they receive all the care, respect, services, nurturing, work and

educational opportunities that they need to have happy and productive

lives after they are home.

Yes do enjoy the Barbecue have a good time with your friends and

relatives but also give a thought to those who have made the ultimate

sacrifice and those who have or will need our help in whatever way we

can give it.

 

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