Memorial Day Memories

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 31 in 2010). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.^[1] First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War), it was expanded after World War I.  --Wikipedia.com


I like this day.  I like the ceremony and the small amount of fan fare.  I remember as a kid walking down to the cemetary across from my house and standing there while the VFW Soldiers, Boy Scouts, the school Marching Band, and politicians came through the cemetary, stopped and lined up.  Wreaths were placed with white, red, and blue flowers and ribbons, small American Flags at each known soldier's grave were embedded in the grass with care, and the sun shining through the old, bent huge leafy buckeye trees. 

I can hear the shots still ringing through the air after each of the seven guns are fired for the 21-Gun salute.  I can smell the gun powder, as it brings a new odor to my nose.  I flinch as each shot rings out.  I stare wide-eyed at the soldiers who hold the guns with expert hands. 

Then I hear it.  That lone bugle, solemn and haunting.  In my mind I sing the words as I hear each note played.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.