Memorial Day

My midweek photo post is early this week--and also doesn't have any photos.

 

Not "Happy" Memorial Day ... although I suspect I've unconsciously been guilty of that one.

It's funny how these tombstones so seldom display race, class, or political leanings.

From the Chain O' Lakes Festival Parade, several years ago.    ... "Just beyond, in solemn silence, Stands a column, broad and deep, Carved with many a name and emblem Of those who for their country sleep. While above a waiting soldier With his musket by his side, Guards for aye this lonely city, Heeding naught of time or tide. Here, within these peaceful dwellings, Free from sorrow, care or pain Waiting till that morning dawneth When the dead shall rise again - " (from poem by Elizabeth Hamrick, 1885)

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Memorial Day, 2022

 Not "Happy" Memorial Day ... although I suspect I've unconsciously been guilty of that one.

Yes ... things have been worse.

It's funny how these tombstones so seldom display race, class, or political leanings.

From the Chain O' Lakes Festival Parade, several years ago.

There's nothing I could add to this.

Memorial Day: It Is the Veteran

 

I never did track down who wrote this, but it's as true now as ever:

 

It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given you freedom of religion.

 

It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given you freedom of the press.

 

It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given you freedom of speech.

 

It is the veteran, not the protester, who has given you freedom to assemble.

 

It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given you the right to a fair trial.

 

It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given you the right to vote.

 

It is the veteran, who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag, whose coffin is draped by the Flag.

 

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day

Yeah, but at least the forest fire risk is low

They cleaned up the beach at Chain O' Lakes State Park, all ready for the big holiday weekend ...

And now the beach is gone.

And more rain is expected tonight.

Be very careful driving--there was lowland flooding last night, and there's going to be more tonight across local roads, so slow way down, watch out, and don't go into standing water. Remember this rule: Stalling out your car is no fun, and drowning is even less fun. I've heard.

Memorial Day

To all our veterans

 I don't recall where I got this from, but kudos to the original author; it says it all:

"It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote."

Or visit a cemetery ...

I'm off to mow the lawn. This is going to seem silly, I suppose, but I've never felt right "celebrating" Memorial Day. Not as long as there are men and women in uniform across the globe who are the true barrier between the bad guys and my first world problems ...