Remembering Memorial Day

Freedom and independence have never been free. They are “bought” at a great price. Memorial Day is when we honor those who died in battle to defend these ideals and privileges.
But just how and when did this observance begin?
Shortly after the Civil War, there developed a pervasive desire to honor the hundreds of thousands who died serving their country. Local observances sprung up throughout America’s towns and communities to commemorate the sacrifices of fallen soldiers. Thus began what would become today’s Memorial Day. It was originally called “Decoration Day.”
In 1971 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This established that Memorial Day be celebrated on the last Monday of May. Just as it was in 1868, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery as well as many other cemeteries across the land. A small American flag is placed on each grave. The President or Vice President places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This list of battle deaths* brings to mind the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families.

Battle Deaths

American Revolution (1775-1783)	4,435
War of 1812 (1812-1815)	2,260
Mexican War (1846-1848)	1,733
Civil War (1861-1865)	140,414 Union 74,524 Confederate
Spanish-American War (1898-1902)	385
World War I (1917-1918)	53,402
World War II (1941-1945)	291,557
Korean War (1950-1953)	33,686
Vietnam War (1964-1975)	47,410
Gulf War (1990-1991)	147
Afghanistan War (2001-present)	2,381
Iraq War (2003-2012)	4,500

*Source: http://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/memorial-day/meaning/

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It is fitting that we stop and honor those heroes who paid the ultimate price so that we could be free and independent. They will always be heroes—our heroes.

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“Here at the Capitol, just weeks before the end of the Civil War, a weary President Lincoln pleaded with his fellow citizens, to ’bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.’”
—Gen. Colin Powell, USA (Ret.)

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expressing sympathy to grief

from one of my favorite authors:

        (by Steve Goodier - http://www.lifesupportsystem.com/ )

A story, which may appropriately belong to the files of “urban legends,” tells about a Philadelphia legal firm that sent flowers to an associate in Baltimore upon the opening of its new offices. Through some mix-up, the ribbon that bedecked the floral piece read, “Deepest Sympathy.”

When the florist was informed of her mistake, she let out a cry of alarm. “Good grief! Then the flowers that went to the funeral said, “Congratulations on Your New Location”!

It is difficult enough to offer comfort without mixing up the sentiment. So difficult, in fact, that many people simply don’t know what to say to someone who has just unburdened grief or emotional pain. Not unlike the new clergyman who, when a distressed young woman confided that she was pregnant, blurted out, “Are you sure it’s yours?”

Too often, we want to help, but find that our attempts to offer comfort, solace or hope fall short of the mark. But there is something we CAN say to those who hurt that can be helpful and comforting.

One man, whose grandson died accidentally, found genuine comfort when he shared his pain with friends shortly after the tragedy. Of all the well-meaning words of support, two statements helped to sustain and comfort him through the grief more than the rest. They were: “Thank you for sharing your pain,” and “I grieve with you.” After hearing those words, he no longer felt alone in his suffering. He felt as if his friends embraced his grief. He felt better.

“Thank you for sharing your pain” is an honest acknowledgment of another’s suffering. It also expresses an appreciation for the effort it takes a wounded soul to open her emotional wounds to others.

“I grieve with you” is an expression of empathy. It is a way of saying that I am willing to share some of your pain, even for a time.

We can’t fix it. We shouldn't try to offer advice. And we may never know how someone feels who is hurting in a way we have never experienced. But we can give some comfort.   (emphasis mine)

I think James Angell, former president of the University of Michigan, got it right when he was asked the secret of his success. “The secret of success?” he replied. “Grow antennae, not horns.”

-- Steve Goodier

No matter the size of the package, it's a "serving" in my book

Momma always said "don't pick at it"

Taking the Long View