Thankful Thursday – This one goes out to the soldiers…
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“…gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime….let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude,–the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.” – General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868
With the three-day weekend approaching, it’s so easy to focus on picnics, pool openings and other fun-filled activities that normally occur over this glorious period we have off work. Too often, I think we forget the real reason for Memorial Day: to remember the men and women who have died for this country. Today, I am thankful for them.
Regardless of your ideas on support of the current war we’re in (we don’t need to get into politics!), I am incredibly thankful for every single man or woman that has given their time (or life!) to defend our country. I’m thankful that while many people are frozen in fear or self-doubt, these men and women step up to defend us. They are real-life angels, spreading their wings to take action for what they believe in. I am in awe of their courage and strength.
Let’s not forget why we have this extra day off this coming weekend. We owe it to the men and women– the heroes– who have died for our country to take a few minutes to thank them. Remember why this day was declared a national holiday and what it really means.
Memorial Day order (via Wikipedia):
I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, “of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and Marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion.” What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hinds slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation’s gratitude-the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander in Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.-General Orders No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic Headquarters[1].
One of my favorite poems, written by Mary Frye:
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.
Faye wrote this Memorial Day poem from a soldier’s perspective and it has become regarded as one of the most touching bereavement poems of all time. This poem was recited at my grandmother’s funeral, so it holds a very special place in my heart. Take a moment this weekend to read the poem and think about all of the men and women who gave their lives so we could have these 3-day weekends, freedoms and liberties to celebrate.
Memorial Day (image credit: senioradults.org)
How are you planning to recognize the soldiers who have died for our country this weekend?
4 Responses to “Thankful Thursday – This one goes out to the soldiers…”
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