Memorial Day 2011

I spent a little time this afternoon walking through the National Cemetery reflecting on what Memorial Day truly means.  It is overwhelming to contemplate all the brave men and women who have died insuring the freedom that we take so for granted.  Although I don't personally know one soul laid to rest in that peaceful place, I couldn't help but tear up as I walked past name after name.  These are the best of our best. 

As you enjoy the unfolding of Summer 2011 I hope you will take time to remember and reflect upon the meaning of Memorial Day and if you have the opportunity, thank those that have and are currently risking their lives for your freedom and the future of our great nation.

Veterans Day, 2010

Thank you to all the men and women who have served and sacrificed

...God Bless you.

Thoughts on Voting...

Did you vote today?  Are you going to vote today?  I did, bright and early this morning. 

On my way to the local polling place, I was really struck with the wonder of what was happening. 

Now, I am not new to voting, I have been doing it for several decades (did I say decades?...ouch) but this morning I was unusually awed by the experience.

First, I was humbled by the very fact that I had the freedom to vote.  It is really amazing that I...plain old me....could walk in and have my say on people that will hold a great deal of power and cast a vote yes or no on some heady issues...I got to do that.  But more importantly, I was awed by the very fact that I could do it without fear.  I had freedom from fear...not a single concern for my own safety.  I was able to make my stand without one thought of retribution or punishment going in or out of the polling station.  It is a freedom I know I have taken for granted so many times, but not this time.  This time I thought of all those in the world that have never, and will never know, that kind of freedom.

Also, I can't even contemplate MY freedom without saying a prayer of thanks for all the men and women that  have made and continue to make great sacrifices (and especially those who paid the ultimate price).  There are so many that have fought to insure that I could vote. I pray that my children will always know this freedom.

When I entered the polling place, it was different than in years past (in non-presidental years, that is ) in that there were long, long lines!  I was so surprised and so very pleased.  It was thrilling to see so many of my fellow citizens standing in the cold, waiting patiently to vote...peacefully.  What a wonderful sight!  I know some folks may struggle with patience if they arrive to vote and have to wait in line,  but not me.  I was honored to wait and would gladly have waited longer....for this Freedom.

VOTE!

9-11, remembering...

Are you remembering?  I can't forget, I don't want to forget...I want my children to know and remember.  Below is an excerpt from DS2's Baby Book that I wrote after the 9-11 attacks:

Written in DS2’s baby book:

Where were you? Between 8:45 and 9:03…we (dh, ds2 and myself) were standing outside taking photos to remember how happy we were…little did we know how much our world was changing. Our lives changed along with the world.


Tuesday, September 11, 2001 was a beautiful day. It was warm and the sky was as blue and clear as I can remember. DH and I were excited to be taking DS2 to his first Doctors appointment that morning.


As we readied ourselves for the trip to the Dr., the morning news had a breaking story about a plane hitting one of the World Trade Center Twin Towers in NYC. We watched the photographs being telecast in awe and wonder at such a freak accident.

Before leaving for the Dr.’s office we took Baby outside on the front stoop to take some photos of him. He was so tiny and perfect. I felt so happy and good. All was right with the world.


Upon entering the examination room our Pediatrician walked in with tears in her eyes and said, “They have bombed the Pentagon!” We were in shock, and then learned that the plane we had seen hit the World Trade Center Tower wasn’t an accident and there had been a second plane to hit the other tower. In a few short minutes 3 planes became hurling, death machines for thousands of people. There was even more sadness to come as another plane was crashed in Pennsylvania as part of the same attack.


Our world was under attack. After leaving the Dr.s office I rode in back with my new baby and cried. Fear was there…fear for our country, our way of life, my new baby, my sweet other children…fear of the unknown. We had no idea where these attacks had come from or where they would hit next. There was fear and anxiety on what we should do next to prepare for what ever terrible turn came. DD and DS1 were in school and we wondered if we should go in and get them from school.


The next few hours held little comfort as we watching in horror as the two landmarks of the western world fell with 1000s of people trapped inside. I was so scared and all we could do was pray.


It was the day that the world stopped turning…a day when we all stopped and stood still.


Little did I know that a year later I would find myself holding my precious 1 year old and commemorating the 9-11 attacks in our new home in NY. It was a surreal experience and yes, I took pictures. It was as if I wanted the photos to prove that this attack didn’t stop us or our great Nation. It may seem odd that I included the horrors of the 9-11 attacks in DS2’s baby book but I need for my children never to forget and know that the world changed for them…that day.

Remembering on Memorial Day

Today (every day!)  I hope you will join me in saying a prayer for our great nation and also of thanksgiving for those who have served  and are serving to insure that we, as Americans, continue to have the freedom that we often take for granted.  Remember that today isn't just a holiday, it is a time to remember the sacrifices made for us.

Lets never forget....

Six years ago, today, were you changed?

Please don't ever forget.

Happy 231st Birthday America!!!

"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does."

James 1:25

Preparing to Celebrate...

Flags welcome you to downtown!

Yes, this is a Patriotism Tree right in downtown...it has Red,White, Blue and, of course, yellow ribbons to remember all our brave souls who are serving our nation.

Flags and Coca-Cola, nuttin' better!

I saw this cute, but simple decoration sitting on the wall behind a condo and it just made me happy.

July and Patriotism

Last night, as I was walking through town I thought about how the lovely town that I live in has a wonderous sense of patriotism, in a traditional sense. We don't just wait for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veterans, Flag Day, etc. to fly the flag. There is a deep seated love of this nation and what it stand for that seeps into the pores of those who live here. But give us a traditionally patriotic holiday and you will see some preparation for the celebration to be sure...maybe we just like to celebrate? I snapped these photos and hope they help you get in the spirit of celebration for the blessing that this nation is! These are everyday signs of love for America...please check back for the shots I took of the homes that are decked out for the celebration!