The Story of the American Flag -Postcard Friendship Friday #315

 I apologize for posting this so late.  I have been out of town and so busy I didn't have much time to be on the computer.  Yesterday was poignant as Mumsie, Sissie and I visited Daddy's memorial at the Willamette Veteran's Cemetery.  There is a powerful bond between the people who visit there.  Last year we met Andrea, who's Dad, Mike is just above Daddy.  Of all things, we saw her and met her husband this year--we were there at the same time, of all things!

Isn't this a fun postcard?  Smooching behind the flag--ah, young love.  

But the story behind Decoration Day is more serious.  Decoration Day started in 1866 after the American Civil War, when a Women's Association decorated the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. For a nation seeking to move on after a war which split the country, states, communities and even families, this loving gesture was welcomed as a way to lay the past to rest, while honoring those who had fought on either side.  This brought unity and healing to a war-torn, war-worn country.

Later on, Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day.

On May 30, 1870, General Logan gave an address in honor of the new commemorative holiday. He said:

"This Memorial Day, on which we decorate their graves with the tokens of love and affection, is no idle ceremony with us, to pass away an hour; but it brings back to our minds in all their vividness the fearful conflicts of that terrible war in which they fell as victims.... 

Let us, then, all unite in the solemn feelings of the hour, and tender with our flowers the warmest sympathies of our souls! Let us revive our patriotism and love of country by this act, and strengthen our loyalty by the example of the noble dead around us...." 

It is only recently my sister Clytie discovered an interesting story in our own family line.  There were two brothers, one fought for the Union, the other for the Confederacy.  Each were imprisoned in the opposite side's prison camp at the same time.  Strange.  I am SO grateful to the Women who set out to bring healing to our torn country so long ago.  I am sure that healing extended to those two young men.

Our Grandfather fought in WW1, Daddy fought in WW2, Uncle Jody fought in Vietnam, Uncle Kelly fought in Korea, my brother-in-law fought in Iraq, my nephew was in the armed forces until just recently.  I am grateful to the sacrifices which were made by SO many men and women over the years.  We owe our freedom and way of life to them. they are my heros.

God bless you, sweet Friends, and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!
  
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Memories of You -Postcard Friendship Friday #267

Here in the United States we are celebrating the memory of those who lost their lives protecting their country, our freedom, home and family.  I have great respect for the brave men and women who have given their lives on our behalf.  Freedom is never free.

My own dear Daddy was a prisoner of war in WW2.  He suffered horrific things, he faced death, torture and the awful loss of his buddies.  For years he would not talk about what he'd seen.  

Ten years before he flew away to heaven, Dad began to speak of the unspeakable.  He was only 18 when he was drafted into the army.  What he saw and experienced changed his life--his very personality.  

I am grateful for his sacrifice, and for the sacrifice of so many others who fought and who continue to fight for freedom.

I will always miss my Dad.  He flew away to heaven two years ago just before Thanksgiving.  Dad and my darling husband are there together.  What a lovely thought.

Have a beautiful weekend, dear Friends. Thank you for dropping by, and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday, too! 

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week!     

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Decoration Day

Today is Decoration Day, otherwise known as Memorial Day--a time when we remember American soldiers who fought for our country, those who died in battle and those who have slipped away to heaven since. 

God bless America, may we always be grateful for our freedom and never forget that freedom was bought with a price.

In Memory of Our Heroes -Postcard Friendship Friday #169

This year Memorial Day, which is on Monday, has a special sad poignant feel about it.  This is our first Memorial Day without Dad, who was a hero of World War 2.  His stories of courage and perseverance will always be with us.  

So many good men and women have died, fighting for Freedom.  How I wish I could personally thank each of these brave warriors for their sacrifice.    And not just American soldiers, but other brave soldiers who fought and died for their countries.  The cost of Freedom is greater than anyone can say in words. 

And so I say, "Thank you."

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  PFF is open for the entire week! 

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Lest We Forget - Postcard Friendship Friday #117

In every country from the beginning of  time there are legends of heros who defended home, hearth and country.

In America, this is the day we honor all brave Warriors who have gone on before.  Their lives made a difference in ours.

God bless everyone this Memorial Day Weekend.

*  DON'T FORGET:  When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you!

*  NOTE: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

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The Brave Die, NEVER - Postcard Friendship Friday #65

Today we honor our brave Warriors who have gone on before.  Their lives made a difference in ours.

God bless everyone this Memorial Day Weekend.

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

* Don't forget to visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory for Weekend Mailbox!

Fly the Flag and Hug the Cat - Postcard Friendship Friday #13

NOTE to those who are new to PFF:  Postcard Friendship Friday was started by Marie, who because of her loss of sight, handed it over to me. Marie’s idea was for people to post their postcards, then visit each other’s blogs to view them. PFF is NOT a place for people to sell, or advertise ephemera. This is an event where FRIENDS who love postcards interact.  If you are selling or advertising, the link to your blog will be removed.

It is Memorial Day Weekend, a time when many people visit cemeteries and memorials to honor those who have died in the line of duty.  Memorial Day was first observed in Waterloo, New York in 1866.  In 1968 US Congress created a three-day holiday.  In 1971 the law moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May.

One tradition is to fly the United States flag at half-staff from dawn until noon.  Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries.  In our little town, American flags bravely bloom all along the sidewalks for the duration of the weekend.

Families often gather for fun, games and picnics.  Barbecued foods are VERY popular on this holiday.  One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, an auto race which has been held during the Memorial Day holiday since 1911.

Today is also Hug Your Cat Day!  There is plenty of documentation that this holiday is celebrated world wide--though some do so on May 28th, others on May 30th. 

No one knows how this holiday originated, but it is a splendid Idea.  It is a proven fact the Friendship of an animal, can actually lower a person's blood pressure.  The holiday is celebrated by spending time with one's cat, giving them extra special attention. Cats and humans have had a long history of Friendship.  In 2004, a grave was excavated in Cyprus which contained the skeletons of a cat and a human being laid close to one another.  The grave is estimated to be 9,500 years old!