Memorial Day - 2009

I know, the "holiday" is the 25th. The 30th is the "traditional" day of observance. If you observed the official thing, I think you're safe if you observe on the 30th as well.

There are many who have served. Many bear scars or rest forever in foreign soil as a result of their service. Many families are forever changed by the loss of these men and women. It is for these cherished national heroes that we take time this day to mark their graves and remember their names.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

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.

In remembrance of those of my own family who have served...
Private Pelitiah Thayer - Revolutionary War
General Freegift Patchin - Revolutionary War
Captain George Richtmeyer - Revolutionary War
Private Henry Parslow* - War of 1812
Quartermaster Sergeant Henry Parslow - Civil War
First Lieutenant Barney Alonzo Parslow - Civil War
First Lieutenant Theodore Sedgewick Van Cott - Civil War
First Lieutenant William Hathaway Van Cott - Civil War
Second Lieutenant Leonard Boole Van Cott* - Civil War
Captain Orrin Lawrence Brodie - World War I
Private First Class Gano H. Jewell* - World War II
Technician 4th Class ____ _____ Dortch - World War II
Seaman 1st Class John Elton Davis - World War II
Sergeant Donald Fancher Parslow - World War II, Korean War
Private Lawrence Broderick - Cold War
Specialist Justin Lee Davis - Global War on Terror

* - died in service

Labels: Military

  ¶ posted by Hobie 11:58 AM