Happy Memorial Day

Forever

Those we love truly never die,

Though year by year the sad memorial wreath,

A ring and flowers, types of life and death,

Are laid upon their graves.

For death the pure life saves,

And life all pure is love; and love can reach

From heaven to earth, and nobler lessons teach

Than those by mortals read.

Well blest is he who has a dear one dead:

A friend he has whose face will never change

A dear communion that will not grow strange;

The anchor of a love is death.

The blessed sweetness of a loving breath

Will reach our cheek all fresh through weary years.

For her who died long since, ah! waste not tears,

She's thine unto the end.

Thank God for one dead friend,

With face still radiant with the light of truth,

Whose love comes laden with the scent of youth,

Through twenty years of death.

John Boyle O'Reilly 

On this, the last Monday of May,  we honor Americans who gave their lives in military service. Flags will be flying everywhere, some floating silently on the windows of homes where the pain is still felt. Many of us will be having cookouts and some will be hitting the stores to take advantage of the Memorial Day Sales.  Many Americans put flags and flowers on graves in remembrance of the those who died for this country. Others will head on out to watch the parade. 

So, as you celebrate this day, do take the time to remember those that have served our country and have made the ultimate sacrifice. Perhaps you can light a candle and take a moment of silence together or make a toast in loving memory to all of those who have played such an important part in our freedom.