I can't find anything, someone help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK0T4pVHP28...feature=related

We don't hurt enough to appreciate anything.

Make gas and food prices SOAR. In times of trouble, we don't know how to act.

Thanks Heather, I recall a poem read to us in grade school. We lived on a Navy base. This poem was part of the run up to to the Base's Memorial Day Parade and Picnic. Folks wanted us to pause and remember why we had set the day apart. I had forgotten to think about it until you posted. The multipurpose room was decorated with colorful paper poppies the children had made in class.

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Poppies are the symbol of Memorial Day to honor the fallen.

This was the poem written by World War I Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon with Canada 's First Brigade Artillery. It expressed McCrae's grief over the "row on row" of graves of soldiers who had died on Flanders' battlefields, located in a region of western Belgium and northern France. The poem presented a striking image of the bright red flowers blooming among the rows of white crosses and became a rallying cry to all who fought in the First World War. The first printed version of it reportedly was in December 1915, in the British magazine Punch.

Nowadays we see Veterans Centers decorated with the paper poppies on days of rememberance. This started when a shortage of poppies from French manufacturers led to the idea of using unemployed and disabled veterans to produce the artificial flowers. In 1924, a poppy factory was built in Pittsburgh, Pa., providing a reliable source of poppies and a practical means of assistance to veterans. Today, veterans at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities and veterans homes help assemble the poppies, which are distributed by veterans service organizations throughout the country.

Donations received in return for these artificial poppies have helped countless veterans and their widows, widowers and orphans over the years. The poppy itself continues to serve as a perpetual tribute to those who have given their lives, or been severely injured in battle, for the nation's freedom.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs........

What are you doing Memorial Weekend or Memorial Day?

Anything relaxing, fun or memorable? Enjoy!

The Sharpsburg Memorial Weekend Parade was great. The marching bands, gymnasts, military groups and politicians were on hand. There were 3 cars with returning soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq. They looked so young. They were riding up high waving. The crowd was clapping and cheering.

There were many floats with kids throwing tons of candy. The Shriners were there in their little cars. Children were having a great time waving little flags and picking up candy. And there was a poor guy in charge oof scooping up after the horses. All bases covered.

We were visiting friends and joined them in the back of Main Street for a picnic. What are you doing tis weekend?

That was cool, CH - thanks for posting that. I've got a whole bunch of the most beatiful poppies out back in full bloom - the prior owner had planted them. I had never heard of the connection with Memorial Day. That was nice.

This poem was written by a Canadian during WW I.
I have a copy on the wall of my office to remind me of those who gave their all..
Some I served with and most I never knew...
But all will be remembered and prayed for every day of my life...

In Flanders Fields
By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

I didn't know that we should love our soldiers even more, when they came home. I thought that just being home was great enough. I only have one experience, with one wartime realtime soldier. He said that everywhere he went he was thanked, bought drinks, talked to endlessly, couldn't get out of a convenience store. He didn't like the attention or the special treatment.

At least that's what I was told. I know he's married now, somewhere. I was supposed to help?

I know a couple people, that I cherish. Not for clamming up, but just because we've been tossed together by life. They don't talk about war. I have asked stupid questions about movies, but I don't know what else to ask. They always skip it. I respect that. I always bring up something stupid and try to be funny.

Love and respect, yes. War is hell, and anyone who faces it on my behalf has my undying respect.

Happy Memorial Day!

Remember:

America is the land of the free... because of the brave.

Happy memorial Day

I had a great weekend filled with fun, family and friends. I hope you did too. Now it is time to rest up, it is back to work tomorrow.
I hope those who hit the road were able to brave the traffic. Wow, does this mean summer is here?

God Bless America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RssIN3ustUw

For all those who have served our country...... thank you! We take our freedom for granted. Here's one little boy who is grateful!

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?view...cfdc45762d47a8b