Having a Myspace is what really started the bug to blog (and thanks to Joey). So I am reposting some information I had originally put on Myspace. Memorial Day is a very important holiday for me. I know many Vets who have passed away, not through an act of war, but of unrelated events. I have a few who hold a special place in my heart and some I will never forget. I may not participate in the events I did as a child, such as a parade, but this day doesn’t pass without me reflecting on the true meaning.
I found this information: My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Section 8k of the Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." We recommend that you contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops also can provide this service.
What can we do on Memorial Day to observe traditions? Visit a cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes, visits memorials, fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon, fly the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well, participate in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, initially called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Most traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years; people have forgotten the meanings of these customs. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps." We need to remember with sincere respect those who paid the price for our freedoms; we need to keep in sacred remembrance those who died serving their country. We need to never let them be forgotten.
*My favorite WWII Vet, my Poppy (in the middle)
I found this information: My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Section 8k of the Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." We recommend that you contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops also can provide this service.
What can we do on Memorial Day to observe traditions? Visit a cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes, visits memorials, fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon, fly the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well, participate in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, initially called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Most traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years; people have forgotten the meanings of these customs. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps." We need to remember with sincere respect those who paid the price for our freedoms; we need to keep in sacred remembrance those who died serving their country. We need to never let them be forgotten.
*My favorite WWII Vet, my Poppy (in the middle)
– Battery C 1st Battalion 187th Field Artillery
Why Red Poppies???
Why Red Poppy's? In 1915, inspired by a poem Moina Michael replied with her own poem: 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. (doesn't make much sense huh?) She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, then sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. You can still find them being sold (usually Walmart), so next time don't just walk by, purchase one and support a great cause.
Why Red Poppies???
Why Red Poppy's? In 1915, inspired by a poem Moina Michael replied with her own poem: 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. (doesn't make much sense huh?) She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, then sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. You can still find them being sold (usually Walmart), so next time don't just walk by, purchase one and support a great cause.
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