Lest We Forget

Today we attneded the Memorial Day parade in town, as we do every year, as a way to pay our respects and honor and remember those who gave their lives in battle. As a Gold Star family this day is especially poignant for us as one of my father's brothers was killed in action in Vietnam. He was a few days shy of turning twenty years old.  

I am so grateful that as a nation we have set aside this day to honor those who died in battle. I am grateful to have seen less and less "Happy Memorial Day" on social media. It is so important that we take this day to remember....

On Memorial Day

 

It was a beautiful day for the first Memorial Day parade since 2019. And while it was smaller than usual it was lovely to take a moment out of our day and honor those who made the greatest of sacrafices. 

Within our own family this day is especially poingnet as my dad's brother Leslie was killed in Vietnam. Our thoughts and prayers are with my father's side of the family today and always. xo

On Memorial Day

 

For those who leave never to return and those who return but are never the same, we remember and honor you this Memorial Day. xo 

On Memorial Day

Though it was grey, chilly and drizzly today David and I still went for our walk this morning. On our walk we passed by two monuments outside of city hall. We took a moment and paid our respects figuring that due to the pandemic this would be the extent of a Memorial Day ceremony for us today. After our walk we went to Lowe's to pick up a few things David needed to start painting our bedroom. We were really impressed to see a dedicated spot to the fallen. 

Memorial Day is a challenging holiday for me. Often times my birthday falls on Memorial Day weekend so there's always the challenge of balancing the celebration with reverence and honor. As a Gold Star family, there's also a personal connection and a deep knowledge that Memorial Day is for those who died in battle. 

For those who don't know, one of my father's brothers was killed in action in Vietnam. From the time we were little my brother, sister and I were taught the difference: Memorial Day is for those who died in battle. Veterans Day is for those who have served and Armed Forces Day is for those currently serving. Two are days for celebration, one is a day for reverence and remembering. "We don't wish anyone a happy Memorial Day just like we don't wish anyone a happy funeral." It is a lesson that has stuck with me my entire life. And so, I pass that wisdom on to all of you in hopes that you will refrain from saying "happy Memorial Day" and that you will take a moment today to honor those brave men and women who gave their lives in battle defending the freedoms we hold dear and the country the loved. 🇺🇸

In Remembrance

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row, 

That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago 

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

-John McCrae

We Will Remember Them

Memorial Day

On Memorial Day

{These Moments} On Memorial Day

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single  photo Two photos - no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a beautiful weekend! xo

Boston On Memorial Day

Boston on Memorial Day. The field of flags. Time spent with some of our dearest friends. Bubbles. Swans. Watching as our girls and Erin's boys were captivated by the living statues. It was the perfect ending to the long holiday weekend. xo