Memorial Day 2023. I get goosebumps every time I see this photo. I also remember my trip to D.C. and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Seeing those soldiers keeping watch over that tomb is such an awe-inspiring moment. If you’ve never been and get the opportunity, be sure to go by there.
Today is about remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day started after the Civil War when people all over the country put flowers on the graves of those killed in the War, both Union and Confederate. You can read about it here.
For years the country held it on May 30th, because that’s the date the first organized recognition occurred under Maj. Gen. John A. Logan at Arlington Cemetery. Then it moved to the fourth Monday in May to allow families to gather.
Me, personally–I still celebrate it on May 30th and will visit our local National Cemetery where flags adorn each tombstone.
Wishing you a blessed and safe Memorial Day
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Comments 21
Yes Pat, it is quite the “moment” to see the picture you posted and also to read more about the history. These men and women did so much for our country…paying the ultimate price. I’m very grateful. Thank you for remembering and sharing with us.
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Amen, Barbara!
The photo is beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time. Thank you. We have the Veteran’s Cemetery here in Boulder City, Nevada. They had a political ceremony there on Saturday. There was a flag on every grave. I’m with you, I will go on May 30th. The flags will all be down but I will stop at the office and get three for my loved ones there. Two husbands and a fiancée. I will pay my respect and prayers.
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Memorial Day is such a solemn occasion, DJ. I think sometimes we focus on the wrong thing, like sales and having fun. It’s a day for remembering.
I remember a trip toDC when I was 11. We saw Arlington and The Tomb of the Unknown. A long time ago.
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My visit there made such an impact on me, Paula. I’d like to go again.
Thank you for your post Pat! I was blessed a number of years ago to visit DC and one of my stops was Arlington Cemetery. So moving! Also blessed to see the changing of the guard while there. This was so touching and brought tears to my eyes. Also impressive was the reverence shown by all those present. This was definitely one of the highlights of my visit to DC.
May we always remember the sacrifices made for our freedom!
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Amen, Miss Mary! Once you see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, you never forget it.
Such a powerful image. I remember visiting Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier years ago. We owe so much to those who paid the price.
Have a Happy Memorial Day.
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Amen, Kay!
Thank you, Pat for this post, and the powerful photo. I remember as a kid, we would visit two cemeteries in town where each of my grandfathers were buried. And, we called it Decoration Day then. There would be a couple of parades; one on each side of the river which divided the city.
Much later when I lived in the D.C. area, I visited Arlington National Cemetery a few times. The National Symphony would sometimes have a concert there, too. There is also an annual flag planting at each grave (https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Events-and-Ceremonies/Flags-In).
One of the most moving experiences for me was the Navy flying the missing man formation over Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Pt. Loma, San Diego. I will never forget it.
I wish you all a solemn, yet happy day as we remember those who died to keep us free, and thank those who still do. And, most of all, thank God for this great country.
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Tim, your post made chill bumps. Seeing the Missing Man Formation would be unforgettable. I watched the Memorial Day Concert last night on PBS and had the same chill bumps. I thought the singer did an EXCELLENT job with the National Anthem.
God Bless all who served and all who are serving to Protect our Country and us. Beautiful photo , Thank you for sharing it.
My parents took my brother and me to visit DC when we were less than ten years old. I have a strong recollection of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but don’t remember the rest of the cemetery, other than pictures I have soon over the years. The Changing of the Guard was quite impressive to a young boy.
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The Changing of the Guard was impressive to me as an adult! There were a couple of teenagers in the crowd and one of the guards scolded them for being too noisy.
We honor and remember those who have served or are currently serving in our military and their families.
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That’s great, Caryl.
May we never forget those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom!
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I so agree, Shelia!
Thank you for sharing!
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You’re welcome, Natalya!