Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. It is a day for remembering those who have died in our nation’s service. We hope you and your family will take a few moments this holiday to observe the “National Moment of Remembrance.” This resolution was passed in December 2000 and asks that at 3:00 pm local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to “Taps.”” You can find out more about the history of Memorial Day by visiting: www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html.
We leave you with this thoughtful poem by C.W. Johnson:
Memorial Day
We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldiers lay.
And listened to the bugle
As “Taps” began to play.
The Chaplin led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.
They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here ‘neath the sand.
I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.
Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,
Thanks for what you’ve given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore.
~ C.W. Johnson