As a child, my Memorial Day holidays were spent proudly wearing our paper poppies (purchased from our legion post). We started the day by running across the road and through the alfalfa field to watch the veterans, in their uniforms, do a 21 gun salute in the Caltholic cemetary
We did not really understand the meaning of it all; but were very excited to gather the spent shells and smell that wonderful sulfur smell that came from those pieces of brass.
We then went with our parents to the cemetery that was across town. We listened to the message given by the speaker, watched the legionnaires shoot the guns, gathered some more shells and looked at all the little flags that decorated the graves of servicemen.
It was impressed on us that great sacrifices had been made so that we could enjoy the rights we had. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the snap of the flags as they waved in the breeze, the sound of the guns as they were shot, the slap of hands on the stock of the guns as they were done shooting and placed in position on the veterans shoulders and the playing of the bugle as they retired from the field.
To this day, a flag waving in the breeze against a blue sky stirs something deep inside.
My husband and I have three nephews in various branches of the military. We are so proud of these young men. They have given up years of their lives and time with their families to train and protect our country. Their families have had to celebrate many events without them…. Christmas, Thanksgiving, weddings, and birthdays to name a few.
On this holiday, this Memorial Day I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all those servicemen and their families. I want everyone to know how incredibly proud I am of our nephews – Sam (US Army Airborne), Kevin (US Army) and Justin (Navy) and their families.
Make sure to let our servicemen and families know how grateful you are and let us never forget those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.
The story of America’s quest for freedom
is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots.
-Randy Vader
The Chicken Grandma 
Your memories bring me back into my youth. Your family traditions are to be admired. We went to the cemetery and then planted flowers in our yard. Hot dogs were on the stone barbecue that my dad built. I truly had little idea about this day until I was much older. We are both so fortunate. “Let freedom ring..”
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You are so right. I also had no idea what it was really about till I was older. I then realized it was about more than hunting for spent shells. Sounds like you had a childhood like mine! We are indeed fortunate on so many levels.
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What great memories you have to treasure for a lifetime! Thank you for sharing your writing talents through your blog. I look forward to reading each time. Keep up the great work Faye.
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Thank you so much! I have been having so much fun doing this blog.
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I too remember the paper poppies. We still get one from the American Legion. Flags flying! Thanks for sharing.
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It is so good to meet you! Our Legion Post still has the paper poppies also and my husband knows that I am just waiting to have an official flag pole on our farm.
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Perfect. Thanks.
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