It’s more than just the start of summer vacation…
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go…
And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind."
Major Michael Davis O’Donnell
1 January 1970
I don’t know if this is used in the States, but it is used in Australia every ANZAC Day (our equivalent of Memorial Day) and it seemed just as relevant and appropriate.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Yuki
My father made a fantastic Memorial Day slideshow complete with music. He used only pictures he took himself at Arlington, Utah Beach, and Pointe du Hoc. I’m patriotic, but nowhere near as much as he is, and I still found it very moving.
To any service men or women who happen to read this, thank you for your service and thanks to all not here to hear my thanks.