Memorial Day

Kim Mon May 31, 2021 7:42 am

On my way to a family get-together, I took a slight jag to visit the National Cemetery outside of Mound City, Illinois.

This place has a connection with my youth as I worked there for three summers as part of a youth employment program in the late 1960s'/70's. As a kid, I couldn't grasp the importance of the place and it's real purpose, and it would take a shameful number of years before I would get a clue about this hallowed ground. It was just a place that needed mowing, and trimming, along with our main job of raising / aligning tombstones that had settled in the somewhat swampy ground.

It is a beautiful place, with some structures being added in recent years.

We live now, in the luxury of easy freedom, only granted us by the sacrifice of veterans and the billion tears shed by the ones who loved them.

andrew Mon May 31, 2021 9:20 am

As we move through our everyday lives, we tend to lose sight that our everyday lives would not be the same were it not for those men and women lying in those cemeteries and for those men and women who have placed their lives on the line to ensure we are able to live as we do. For me, Memorial Day is not just some other holiday, it's a time for me to reflect on just how lucky I am to have the privilege to live in this country. I am most appreciative of that opportunity.

getback Mon May 31, 2021 11:52 am

Happy Memorial Day Everyone !!

Thank You for ALL that have served / serving / And those who gave there life's for our freedom . United States

rsv1cox Mon May 31, 2021 3:21 pm

Every year I watch the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS. This year scaled down due to Covid but it still did not disappoint. The opening National Anthem was special, (watch it if you can take the time) but the high point for me was the bugler at Arlington National Cemetery blowing taps at twilight. She was awesome, when finished she tucked that bugle under her arm turned slightly to the right and snapped off one of the best salutes that I have ever seen. At 109.15 in

https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/

Nicely said Kim.

Bob

andrew Mon May 31, 2021 5:20 pm

rsv1cox wrote:Every year I watch the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS.

https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/

Bob

Bob -
Thank you for posting the link. It was very moving.
andrew

Oldenginerod Mon May 31, 2021 5:44 pm

rsv1cox wrote:Every year I watch the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS. This year scaled down due to Covid but it still did not disappoint. The opening National Anthem was special, (watch it if you can take the time) but the high point for me was the bugler at Arlington National Cemetery blowing taps at twilight. She was awesome, when finished she tucked that bugle under her arm turned slightly to the right and snapped off one of the best salutes that I have ever seen. At 109.15 in

https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/

Nicely said Kim.

Bob

I'd like to pay my respects to all US citizens who have sacrificed so much for the sake of upholding peace and justice. Your role goes far beyond protecting your own shores and others around the world acknowledge that.

On another note, I thought I'd check out the link to the concert, and particularly the bugler Bob mention, but to me the hightlight was the song that followed. Vince Gill, as always, did a magnificent rendition of "Go Rest High on that Mountain".

rsv1cox Mon May 31, 2021 7:16 pm

Thanks Andrew. I always get a little misty at those events.

And Rod, Australia's contribution was mostly in the Pacific, Japan was knocking on your door there.

But there were Aussies at D-Day in Europe, over 3000 of them with the British and many were killed. Also many Australians were captured by the Japanese and interred. Of all the countries POW's - British, Dutch, Americans, Filipinos, Indians the Aussies stuck together and faired better than most. Not one Australian was lost due to suicide, can't say that for the others. Reference's - Prisoners of the Japanese, and Forty-two Months in Durance Vile.

**Admin** Tue Jun 01, 2021 1:06 am

I hope everyone took the time today to reflect upon and honor the ultimate sacrifice taken by members of our armed forces, first responders, and their families. Many view the day as the "unofficial start to summer" and use the day off to host parties and barbecues, but it's important to never forget the purpose of the day. Without the selflessness, dedication, and courage of our fallen heroes, we wouldn't have the opportunities and freedoms we all enjoy today.

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