Poppy photographed on the 1st world war battlefield of Somme near the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing
Memorial Day – the first three day weekend holiday of the summer in the States. Typically a time when folks are heading out of the city in droves for some well - or - not so well deserved R & R. We are no exception. At the grocery store today - after loading up on the requisite beer, chips and steaks for camping – Will came back to the car with two paper poppies. I took a moment to remind myself of the real Memorial Day meaning – and felt a bit ashamed that I had to be reminded.
To all the vets I know – and don’t know – who have served or are still serving in the armed forces - a truly heartfelt Thank You and all my gratitude for your sacrifices (which feels grossly inadequate - considering….)
“….We may never see their like again, we may never see their like again.” Dwight D. Eisenhower -
To Sophia – my 22 year old niece who is just starting her second week at Navy bootcamp – my hat’s off to you Sailor…
I encourage all reading this to take your own moment of silence - and if you can - find a Vet, buy a poppy - and say Thank You!!!!
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.”
By John McCrae, May 1915
