Please submit your thoughts, plans for the day to: eaglesvt@gmail.com
Marion-VT Fallen Families:
It's hard to concentrate on this Memorial Day and yet think that we are actually going to get this memorial built.
On reflection of what memorial Day means to us, my husband and I: It used to be that Memorial Day was a long weekend, get away, camping or traveling. We always followed in my mother's example, that we visit the cemeteries and place flowers for our deceased family members, grandparents, aunts, uncle, and in my case, a deceased sister at a very young age. It never was much about veterans, unfortunately.
Since the loss of our son Sgt Jamie Gray, that changed everything. Those words, "walk in my shoes for a day" now means we have a full mind of what Memorial Day really is. We had to walk down this path, to understand. Isn't that true of so many things. I would not wish one more person the heartache of losing a family member in war, but it does bring the true meaning of the national day of remembering our fallen and those that have served. Without them, we probably would not be free to move about much less pay respects to our soldiers.
So Memorial Day means I NOW KNOW what cost of freedom and our debt to those who made the call to service for all of us.
Marion
Howie- NH State Coordinator
Memorial Day is being celebrated this weekend all across our land, a time to remember those who have passed on, whether they be family, or those who died in service to our country. No matter what reason is important to you, please do not ignore what this means, why this long weekend happens.
As a kid growing up, every Memorial Day meant gathering up the kids and the grandparents and traveling to graves of family members around the state who died long before I was ever born, which resulted in in many fond memories and a learning of my ancestry.
Since joining the Marines at age 17, and going to Vietnam at 18, like many Vets, it has a new meaning to me, and that is to honor those who wore the uniform in defense of our country and way of life, forfeiting their lives while in such service.
No matter your reason for celebrating this weekend, for enjoying the long weekend it provides to be with family and friends, do not ignore the significance for its conception, whether that is to honor your family and ancestors, or Veterans, please show your respect by doing more than worrying about the amount of food or beverage needed over the weekend.
I will be traveling to Dedham, MA to visit the graves of my now four brothers (out of Seven) who are gone from my life but will never be forgotten. Luckily, while my brothers reside on Veterans Hill, my immediate family is just down the hill in the same cemetery, so I can visit them all. And I will, over the course of the Summer, visit those old Cemeteries in Lowell, and Magnolia, to see the graves of those ancestors who died before I was born, and I never met, because those who taught me to remember and honor them, are no longer here to do so. And it is a family duty worthy to continue.
I know I am being sentimental here, but I love my country, and those who proceeded me to make it the great place I, and my offspring, can reside in and work to keep free. Have a great holiday, but don't forget its significance, and pay your respects as appropriate.
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Howie Howe
RC Coordinator, NH Help on the Homefront
NH Coordinator, Gathering of Eagles |
