In the U.S., Memorial Day marks society’s start of summer. Interestingly, when I started school back in the day when we walked to school uphill both ways, Labor Day and Memorial Day served as bookends to the school year.
Initially known as Decoration Day, a day to honor the fallen Union soldiers from the Civil War, it eventually became a day to remember all American soldiers who died in any conflict.
I grew up in a small town during following World War II. With that war fresh in the minds of the adults, their memories were fresh and close to the heart. Many of these veterans are no longer with us, and those that remain are in their upper 80s and 90s. My dad served in Europe as an 18-year old whom left high school – and he passed away two years ago at 84.
From rural small towns to the urban neighborhoods, the impact on many aspects of daily life by America’s Greatest Generation is great. As we saw these soldiers as heroes who remained humble, our veterans serving in Vietnam never received the honor and respect they deserved. Perhaps that is the reason today’s troops are more appreciated.
The video is honors all serving in WW II, but this day is for all who died while serving in any conflict. Being that blogs are international in scope, I also know the Americans were not the only ones fighting. While Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday, may today also be a day to remember anyone who fought in any war any where.
A Frank Angle 
I found it interesting to read this post. My grandfather was involved in WWII but he never wished to speak of it. How I wish I was old enough to have encouraged him. Now that he is long gone I feel a part of our history has been lost.
LikeLike
Colline,
Many stories held by that generation is vanishing. Good news is that much of it is still found in print and in recordings. Glad this post was able to spark your memories about your grandfather … and show the international connection on this day. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Thanks for this, Frank.
Funnily, I am in the midst of writing (and researching) a post for D-Day and our experiences visiting Normandy. Reading this post just gave me a little extra – umph to get it finished! Thanks!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
LikeLike
Elyse,
Great …. and don’t forget the asterisk! 🙂 Just kidding, glad I was about to create your final spark, and I look forward to your post. Have a safe weekend and thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
Here you go, Frank.
*
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Nice history of the holiday.
LikeLike
Mobius,
Sometimes things get lost in history. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
Nice post. Any day is a good day to remember. I often think about some friends who “shall not grow old as we who are left grow old”.
LikeLike
Fasab,
Well said, so thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Well said, Frank. Too easy to forget the meaning of the holiday in the midst of sales and shopping and all the other babblings.
Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Guapo,
Agree .. much to easy to forget. hmmmmm … maybe I’ll take in a small-town parade on Monday. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
Hi,
A very good post for the remembrance of those that have fought for us, past and present. My Father as well as my Husbands Father both fought in the wars, as did my Grandfather, my Husband is also ex navy (All in the Australian defence forces) all these brave men and women will never be forgotten.
LikeLike
Mags,
I was hoping would do this – so thanks for sharing your military ties.
LikeLike
LOVE VIDEO. I know every friend and family member who has been lucky enough to visit Normandy and Omaha Beach stand there with chills. One of my all time mini series is Band of Brother’s produced/directed by Tom Hanks. If anyone has not sat on a Saturday or Sunday to watch this incredible mini series I suggest you take the time. It is always played on Memorial and Veterans .
LikeLike
Kellie,
Well said. Thanks for visiting and giving an outstanding recommendation.
LikeLike
Nice, Frank. Did I mention before? Dad’s army, Uncle Sam Navy and Uncle Chuck marines (all brothers). Sorry to hear your father passed away. I still marvel at their sacrifice and the lives they led.
LikeLike
Les,
I recall you mentioning this before. Now that’s a proud group of brothers! Many thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Thanks Frank for reminding us all to pause, remember our brave men and women who’ve been lost in all our wars, work to embrace lasting peace, and pray that, as in the words of the old Negro spiritual, that someday we “ain’t gonna study war no more.” God bless you and yours this Memorial Day weekened.
LikeLike
E-Tom,
Well said. Thanks for sharing these outstanding words!
LikeLike
Hi Frank, Hope you are having a good weekend. I appreciated that you included “a day to remember anyone who fought in any war anywhere”
LikeLike
Starla,
A good weekend so far … but is it yukky hot and humid. Glad you liked the post and thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
My heart is heavy with gratitude and love~ Debbie
LikeLike
Deborah,
Thanks for your beautiful words.
LikeLike
I think I have a lot of interest in the war years because of my dad. He was a young teen during the war, and held a passionate interest in all aspects, particularly the war in the Pacific. I was raised on Victory at Sea! LOL! Many of the friends he made later in life had indeed served, and I am so aware of how this “greatest generation” is leaving us. My parents were children during the war, and are now 80. I may not like to think about it, but I’m aware of how their friends are dwindling in number. A very thoughtful post, Frank. Debra
LikeLike
Debra,
Excellent perspective, and given you are of similar age, I also understand. Meanwhile, here’s a treat for your comment. 🙂
LikeLike
Our equivalent is ANZAC Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). It began to honour those who fought at Gallipoli in WWI but is now for all who served. I wonder how many nations have something like this.
LikeLike
Cuttlefish,
Many thanks for sharing the meaning of ANZAC Day! I was wondering the same thing about different countries. I did a fast search, but without good results. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
Great post. The vets from Vietnam really got short changed. The took the blame when it was the idiot politicians. They were ripped off, and am glad you included them in your post. I always remind kids about the origins of the holiday, and like how you did too.
LikeLike
Randel,
Thanks for visiting and emphasizing the contributions of the Vietnam vets.
LikeLike
Very nice post Frank, thank you. God bless all the troops and their families who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much for freedom around the world. Have a nice Memorial Day.
LikeLike
Christine,
Well said … and thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
Thanks for the tribute, Frank. I am a Vietnam vet who was FINALLY honored 40 years later as the first vet featured at “365 Veterans: Honoring a Veteran a Day for a Year”: http://365vets.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/day-1365-honoring-john-a-robinson/ (Wish I hadn’t supplied the gooney service picture.)
LikeLike
John,
Not only thanks for your service, but thanks for sharing the link with your story.
LikeLike