Happy Memorial Day

When I was a youngster, the last Monday in May was always the day that hailed the beginning of summer break.  Memorial Day conjures up memories of the opening of public swimming pools, picnics, parades and going to the cemetery to put flowers and American flags on graves of the brave men and women who lost their lives fighting for our country's freedom.

That is the real meaning of Memorial Day.  It's the day we give tribute to the fallen.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

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.