The month of May is a time to remember the Veterans, active military and their families.
Today, May 21, 2016, is Armed Forces Day. President Harry Truman led the effort to find one day where all the brave soldiers in every branch of the military are celebrated. The Secretary of the Department of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day on August 31, 1949.
Monday, May 30, 2016, is Memorial Day. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and was a day to remember all those who died in their military service to our country. The history of where Decoration Day started is unclear; however, it began after the Civil War as a way to honor the men who died. "It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11."** The 30th of May was chosen because it was a day that a battle did not occur during the Civil War. The first Decoration Day was commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery where 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were buried. Memorial Day became a Federal Holiday in 1971 when the National Holiday Act was passed.
If you see people wearing red poppies, this is a tradition started by Moina Michael who wrote a poem inspired by In Flanders Fields (see poem below). Ms. Michael began to wear a red poppy and then sold poppies to others with the proceeds going to support the military. Ms. Michael's poem read:
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.
The National Moment of Remembrance is a resolution that was passed in 2000 asking that people across the United States voluntarily observe at 3 p.m. their local time a moment of respect for those who have served this country.
The Village of Lisle will be hosting a Memorial Day parade, Remembrance Ceremony and picnic. If you know a Veteran, active military member or a family member, please take the time to thank him/her for their service. If you have some time, walk through the Lisle Cemetery and reflect on all the Veterans who served.
**Source: http://www.usmemorialday.org/?page_id=2
Grace and blessings to all!
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place, and in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly, Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead; short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe! To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high! If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Source: https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/flanders-fields
