Saturday, May 26, 2012

Memorial Day Thoughts

I have never thought too much about Memorial Day before now.  I just thought about it as a day off of work or to go visit the cemetery and decorate your relatives graves.  I grew up calling it Decoration Day.  Anyway, as I think about it, it is a very somber day.  I am so grateful to the men and women who have or are now fighting for our country.  I can honestly say that I couldn't do it.
 I also think of my father at this time.  He served in the Air Force for 20 years.  He never went to war but he ended up giving his life for the military.  He used to work with missiles.  One night they had a fuel spill and he was exposed to the radio active missile fuel.  In 1980 he developed bladder cancer and passed away in 1985.  His flag is proudly displayed in my home.
I know thank-you sounds so trite at a time like this, but I really don't have the words to express how I feel about the men and women who have fought for my country and my freedoms.
Have a wonderful weekend and keep in mind why you are having a great time.

9 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

Thanks for reminding us how much we owe our veterans, and thanks to your dad and others like him who have served and sacrificed for our country.

=)

Christie Cottage said...

First of all, I LOVE your blog banner! How wonderful!!! <><

I couldn't go to war either. If it came here, I could and would fight for my family.

My youngest daughter is in Afghanistan and so is her husband. My youngest son will be deployed there soon. The worry over our soldiers safety is a lot, but when your kids are those soldiers, it really hits home.

My Dad was in the Korean War. His flag is with the oldest of my siblings.

My Dad is in heaven and so is my mom and my husband too.

I have not been to the cemetery for a while. We call it Decoration Day too. My parents are buried in a military cemetery across the country. My husband is close to home. He didn't think people should decorate graves.

Have a safe weekend.

Again, I love your blog banner!

<><

Tracy said...

Karen, yesterday our elementary school had a Memorial Day Ceremony and it was just lovely and took me to really think of the purpose of the day and holiday weekend rather than just a day off from work. Thanks Karen!

momto8 said...

..and every time we see a person in the military we automatically thank them for their service...and we pray for the safety of our troops every night...the very least we could do!!

Becky Jane said...

Thanks for sharing about your dad. It must have been a hard time for your family.

Grandma Honey said...

Very good thoughts Karen. I think we owe so much to the service men and women.

Anonymous said...

This was a beautiful post and tribute to your dad. Big hugs...xoxo

More Than Words said...

I agree, Karen!! And what a great way to honor your dad!!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

How did I miss this post? You honored your Dad so well