MEMORIAL DAY

It’s always on a Monday.

How strange, that we have only one day to memorialize those that gave so much. It is hard to imagine the sacrifice, the bravery that comes from fear, and the finality of what those we memorialize went through!

We are lucky that they stood in the way of tyranny and despotism to protect us. It is fortunate that they come from the small towns and villages, and even the big cities, giving away their lives for those very places! Maybe they came from our very families!

But if you talk to the guys that survived, they can’t recall being brave, just scared. If you mention the service they put forth, they will look at you quizzically, and they survived the dangers, thank God. But to those who gave all, they left us with the greatest gift they could give, our freedom for their lives. And we only recognized them one Monday a year? They lie silently and ask for nothing in return, and all we can give them is one Monday a year.

They left their dreams, hopes and families, their mothers and fathers, sisters and brother, and lovers, and we recognize this only one Monday a year?

Somewhere in heaven, there is a higher plain for those that sacrificed their lives for Freedom. I use the Capital ‘F’ because it is a word we should revere, as we should consecrate the memory of those that made the ultimate sacrifice for the word, and gave it its meaning.

For over 225 years, nations have challenged us, tried to take our freedoms away, but the brave men and women who gave their all stood in their way and said: “Over my dead body you will.”

Let’s not lose sight of who they are on Tuesdays, not forget them on Wednesdays, remind ourselves of our freedoms on Thursdays, thank them again on Fridays, and as we enjoy our weekends, know that they gave us that enjoyment.

Thank you to all that gave their time and efforts for this great country. To you I remind, that the only reason we call it great is because you made it so, both those who lived to tell it and those who lie in silent testimony to what the brave are all about! Truly, God blessed America!

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE
words and music by Pete Seeger
performed by Pete Seeger and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger

Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Girls have picked them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young girls gone?
Taken husbands every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young men gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young men gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young men gone?
Gone for soldiers every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Covered with flowers every one
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?

©1961 (Renewed) Fall River Music Inc
All Rights Reserved.