The first Memorial Day (Decoration Day) was observed in 1868, and for 144 years Americans have honored those who’ve died in the service of our country.
My family has been lucky. While several of them served in two world wars, we’ve lost only one family member in combat. When I think of him, when I pause to remember all those I never knew who gave their lives, I also give thanks to those who fought and survived. While they didn’t pay the ultimate price, they often sacrificed other things: youth, health, time with those they loved, and often their potential for becoming who they were once destined to be.
Each Memorial Day I hope that peaceful negotiation will replace the destruction of war and that we won’t add more men and women to the list that we honor on this day.
We must be prepared to make heroic sacrifices for the cause of peace that we make ungrudgingly for the cause of war. Albert Einstein
The days, the weeks, the years out here shall come back again, and our dead comrades shall then stand up again and march with us, our heads shall be clear, we shall have a purpose, and so we shall march, our dead comrades beside us, the years at the Front behind us: – against whom, against whom? All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque
The fight was lost. The dragons were coming with invincible strides. The army, helpless in the matted thickets and blinded by the overhanging night, was going to be swallowed. War, the red animal, war, the blood swollen god, would have bloated fill. The Red Badge of Courage, Stephen Crane
Nas says
Lovely tribute to Memorial Day.
Honey says
You made a great point. I worked for four years at a Veterans Hospital and the survivors who have lost limbs or been disabled have life altering changes to adjust to. It's important to remember the thousands who endure pain and suffering everyday because of war.
Stephen Tremp says
The quip from The Red Badge of Courage is powerful. I saw the movie way back when but really need to read the book.
Pat Carroll Marcantel says
Wonderful post/tribute. I lost my only brother in WW2. Thanks for remembering all of those lost.
Old Kitty says
I love these very powerful quotes! Hope you had a most peaceful and reflective Memorial weekend just gone! Take care
x
Stina Lindenblatt says
What a wonderful tribute. 🙂
nutschell says
lovely tribute, Lee and I didn't know how Memorial Day got started, so thanks!
Happy Weekend!
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
FEDO says
wonderful… Nice post Lee……
The Golden Eagle says
Wonderful Memorial Day post!
Those are excellent quotes.
Kelly Polark says
Beautiful post, Lee.
I wrote a poem about peace that will be in 1000 Pieces for Peace, a charity compilation. Not sure when it will be out though!
Sharon K. Mayhew says
Lovely post! I didn't realize Memorial Day started in the 1800's.
Kelly Hashway says
My grandfather served in WWII. He's 91 years old and still going strong. 🙂 I wish everyone was as lucky as he is.
Talli Roland says
Wonderful quotes and a thoughtful post. I hope you and your family had a good Memorial Day.
Medeia Sharif says
This is a beautiful post highlighting those who've fought for our freedoms and calling attention to peaceful existence.
Empty Nest Insider says
This is such a meaningful post, filled with memorable quotes. I agree that it is important to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day. Julie
Southpaw says
Beautifully said.
Cynthia Chapman Willis says
Thank you for this lovely post and reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Fairday Morrow says
I thought this post was touching and beautifully written. It is always important to think of those that have helped to defend our country. My heart goes out to all of the families that have lost loved ones.
~Jess
Lexa Cain says
Lee – I've heard voter turnout was 40-50%. There was a much higher turnout for the Parliament elections last Fall, but I guess the thrill of voting in un-biased elections has dulled in 6 months. I guess Egyptians are more like Americans than I expected! lol
Christina Lee says
Such a nice tribute! Have a good week, you!
Charmaine Clancy says
I love that the internet keeps us more informed about other countries. I've developed a better understanding of your Memorial Day through blog posts.
Brenda Kay Ledford says
This is a lovely tribute for Memorial Day. The quote about peace are great. Your blog is great and I'm glad I found your site. I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day.
Samantha says
What a lovely tribute. My family has been fighting for this country since the Revolutionary War and everyday I am thankful for their sacrifices.
Lexa Cain says
What a lovely and well written post. I'm getting all teary eyed. Happy Memorial Day to you! 🙂
Ruth Schiffmann says
Beautiful post, Lee. Thanks for sharing those powerful quotes.
Carrie Butler says
Thank you for sharing, Lee!
Arlee Bird says
It's a nice dream to hope that the differences will be resolved by peaceful negotiations and mutual understanding, but I don't think that humans we ever do this successfully on their own.
Lee
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Tracy says
love the quote by Albert Einstein…great post Lee!
Jemi Fraser says
Beautifully and thoughtfully said. thanks for sharing!
Lynn Proctor says
what a lovely post—thank you
Lizzy Mackerville says
What a beautiful post and tribute! We should all be thankful to those that have served our country. I especially loved your quotes about peace!
~Stephanie
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Yes, excellent tribute. We've had many in our family serve in the military, including my father, but I don't believe we've lost anyone to war.
M. J. Joachim says
Beautiful tribute for Memorial Day! Thank you:)