Vintage Decoration Day Greeting Card
One of the benefits of getting older is the ability to go around saying, “I remember when.” I just turned 56 recently, which may or may not qualify me as a bona fide “old timer” (yet) -but, I am certainly old enough to remember when life in this country was very different; when this was a different America.
I read in the news this morning that President Obama had spent the afternoon playing golf on Memorial Day after laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier; an activity, which, I believe most people would probably not question. I think if people on the street were ask, most would think it much to do about nothing. After all, it’s his three-day weekend too! So, what if he wants to play golf or catch the latest raunchy flick, Hang Over II,(which as far as I know, he did not, but record number of people did – the movie raking in record amounts of cash over the long holiday weekend).
The problem is this: If our Commander-in-Chief cannot set aside even one full day to spend time with the families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice, how can he expect his fellow Americans to? When will this the Commander-in-Chief begin to lead by example? When will he demonstrate in front of Americans, his williness to sacrifice – even if its just giving up an afternoon at the links.
Memorial Day previously known as Decoration Day originated on May 5, 1868 and was initiated as a time to remember America’s war dead. When I was a child, my parents and grandparents still referred to it as Decoration Day. I’m not sure when the “holiday” became a three-day weekend with opportunities for boating, camping and other activities that began to over-shadow the original purpose for the day, but, I remember, every year when Decoration Day came around, we, would make the 60 mile trip to where my grandfathers parents and brother were buried, so, that they along with the war heroes buried alongside them could be honored.
In 1915, Moina Michael came up with the idea to make and tie red poppys for placing on the grave sites of America’s war dead. She was the first to make and sell them to her friends, the benefits of which went to war veterans, their widows and children. I can still remember as a child seeing the ladies making and selling those red crepe paper poppys which sold for a few cents each, later to be placed at the gravesite of each fallen soldier. An activity both beneficial and unifying. Americans acting together for a collective cause. The idea for the poppys inspired by a poem Moina Michael had written that same year.
“We cherish, too the poppy red, that grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies, that blood of heroes never dies.” http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
Well, time’s change and that’s a fact.
Today, Springfield, Mass was hit by the latest in a round of destructive and deadly tornadoes to devastate the country in the last few days. Springfield, Mass as many of you know, is known for the development of the famous Springfield rifle in 1777. On googling the history of the Springfield rifle, I found this to be of interest:
At the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, located 90 miles west of Boston, visitors can see a piece of United States history. This was the location of the Springfield Arsenal, which later became the Springfield Armory. Established in 1777, the arsenal manufactured ammunition for the Continental forces in the Revolutionary War and served as a storage facility for various types of weaponry. It was from here that many of the small arms, cannons and other weapons went out to the forces of the fledgling nation. After the war Springfield Arsenal continued to function as one of the Army’s main weaponry depots. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield,_Massachusetts
Has today’s tornado any connection to the events of this past Memorial Day week-end and a President who failed to recognize in an honorable way those who paid the ultimate price. I don’t know. But, it certainly could be.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”. Psalm 122:6 Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy
Heaven Bound 
Cindy,
I sincerely appreciate your insight into the current events and your increased postings in the recent past. I stand with you in your belief, and do what I can to forward your message to those I know. Please keep the insight coming….I look forward to reading your views daily.
[Wow, thanks Rick, I am both humbled and blessed by your words. Because I work full time, I have to squeeze in writing where I can, but, have felt an urgency of late to write as frequently as I can. It means alot to me that you would take the time to write. May God bless you and keep you in his perfect care! C]
By: Rick on June 2, 2011
at 4:15 am
Hi Cindy,
I too am your age and was born on Memorial Day. During my growing up years, Memorial Day was on the 30th no matter what day of the week that fell on as honoring our fallen heros and veterans was what the day was about. My father was in the Navy, stationed in CT. I don’t know whether it was that he was military, but we were raised with a deep sense of appreciation and respect for our nation and the freedoms we possessed at the expense of those who fought to maintain our freedom. Our Memorial Days were spent watching the town parade and cheering on the Veterans from the various wars.
I have twin boys, both in the Army. One has received a purple heart and is presently back in the states, the other is weeks away from finishing his 4th deployment. Here in the U.S., life goes on as usual with many not even giving a second thought to the sons and daughters who have paid the ultimate price to protect us from an enemy many don’t even believe exists. The wars (Iraq and Afghanistan) have taken their toll on my sons as well as many of their friends. They have seen and experienced things no person ever should have to experience only to come back to a country that for the most part could care less. They however, will always bare the scars of war.
I believe our president reflects the heart of the nation as we reflect him. I fear that America is in for a rude awakening as the Lord continues to “shake everything that can be shaken”. My prayer for myself as for the entire body of Christ for the dark hour we live in is: Dan 12:3 And the teachers and those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God) [shall give forth light] like the stars forever and ever.
Bless you Cindy and thank you for your many insightful post.
[Thank you Donna for writing and sharing your thoughts. Very well said, “the President reflects the heart of the nation as we reflect him.” I don’t know about any one else, but, its painful for me, as I look in to that mirror. Thank your sons for me, as one (among many) who truly are grateful for their service. May God bless and protect them both. C]
By: Donna on June 2, 2011
at 5:22 am
Thanks for your foundational perspective. “America, America, God shed His Grace on Thee …”
When I saw that the “dumbing down movie” grossed more than expected, it does symbolize what matters and what doesn’t to the majority of ‘use to be’ Americans.
“Like taking candy from a baby.” The UnProgressive slave piper-ing the collective down to the market pit.
A taste probably of what Jesus felt looking over Jerusalem, knowing what was to come.
[Thanks DC, You’re right, as we mourn our country, we remember that in the same way, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. I’m sure he cries for us as well. Blessings, C]
By: DC on June 2, 2011
at 3:51 pm
Obama is leading by example. In the wrong direction. We asked for change. We got it. (No, I didn’t vote for him, but we are all, to one degree or another, responsible.)
Few paid much attention to whether the change he sold us was going to be toward or away from the one-and-only Truth. Having not cared to follow Truth (Jesus Christ) we are now being led away.
In our affluent town, here near Boston, where virtually everyone (except us!) has a second home somewhere, they several years ago moved Memorial Day celebrations to the previous weekend — when few pay attention to them. The idea of a day being reverently “set apart” (literally ‘holy’ — as in, “holi-day”) has been completely lost.
Re. the tornadoes last night in Massachusetts, our state license plate motto is “The Spirit of America”. Hmm… wonder what it means that that spirit is under siege?
[ Good point Art! Reminds of a car going the wrong direction on the freeway. People desperately trying to get their attention, waving their arms and yelling at the top of their lungs – “you’re going the wrong way!” The occupants of the said mentioned car, oblivious to the danger ahead, smile and shake their heads at the fools in the other cars and continue on. C]
By: Art on June 2, 2011
at 5:04 pm
First of all, love your insight Cindy. This is one of my favorite sites. Just a thought though, the day that former Gov. Mitt Romney (of Mass.) announces that he will be making a big announcement the following day, a rare tornado hits Massachusetts. The next day he announces what we all already expected to hear, that he will be running for president. Hmmm…… Very interesting..
[Hi Celina, I agree the timing is very interesting. I’ve never really broached this subject on my blog (yet), but, I grew up in Utah (one of the few who did and are not LDS) and have many close friends and relatives, who are mormon (including my brother). I’m more than familiar with Mormon doctrine and for this reason, I cast an eye of skepticism at anyone with political aspirations coming out of the LDS church. Glenn Beck included. Fine people with good moral values, but shared moral values are no replacement for the true word of God. Many people put up with Harold Camping because he was a conservative, even though they did not agree with his doctrine. A mistake in my opinion. Blessings, Celina and thanks for writing. C]
By: Celina on June 2, 2011
at 9:11 pm