Memorial Day 2011
For the last three years, we have started Memorial Day with attending the memorial day parade in our small Wisconsin town. It is short. It is sweet. It is for the Veterans that have served our country so well to keep us all free.
We started going to this parade due to my oldest child becoming involved in band. Both the middle school and high school bands march in this parade. It is the very first parade of the parade season and patriotic music is played. Usually, not a lot of preparation goes into this, but they always manage to sound and look good. It is a bittersweet parade for our senior high school band students have already graduated when they march in this parade on Memorial Day Monday. Today, I saw many of those seniors march in their high school colors for the last time. It is somewhat sad.
Yet, this is fitting for Memorial Day, isn't it? It is a somewhat sad and somber occasion. We go to the parade as a family to honor those still living and those soldiers who have passed away in service to our country. For me, I will probably start my memorial day each year this way as long as I live in this small Wisconsin town, long after I don't have anyone marching in the bands. After I've thanked the veterans by attending and by putting my hand over my heart as they walk by with our flag, I can feel free to enjoy my day.
Picnics, gardening, the start of summer......enjoy it all, just don't forget those that keep us free. We owe them so much!
Today, as we were leaving the parade, a veteran was walking up the street with a handful of little flags. He stopped and gave us each one. I was honored to be able to look in his face and say, "Thank you for your service". It made me feel good to say it and I hope I made him feel good in that I recognized his great contribution to our country!
Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your Memorial Day!
Carol
