Episode 267: I'm Free

To some, Memorial Day means a day off from work, a three day weekend, opening day for the local pool, or the official start of the summer season. But for others, Memorial Day is a time to remember the dead, especially those who perished in America's wars. Memorial Day is said to have started in Waterloo, New York, when on May 5th, 1866 residents held a commemorative program and decorated the graves of those who died in the Civil War over time and as the United States fought more wars, Memorial Day, or "Decoration Day," as it is called in some areas, added the remembrance of those soldiers who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Memorial Day is also a day of prayer for peace, as well as a patriotic day in which Americans display the flag.

Memorial Day has also become a day to honor one's ancestors and family members who have died. Many Americans visit the graves of their loved ones and leave flowers on this day. For a time, beginning in 1948, Memorial Day was observed on May 30th, issued by a presidential proclamation beginning in 1948. Since 1971, however, it has been officially designated the last Monday in May. This year, it falls on May 25th.

Recently, I read a poem written for Memorial Day by an unknown author, entitled, "I'm Free." "Don't grieve for me, for now, I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day - to laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone, must stay at that way. I found peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembering joy. A friendship, shared a laugh, a kiss, ah, yes, these things too, I will miss. Be not burdened with time of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me. God wanted me now, He set me free."

Patriotic thought from an unknown source, commonly used during the Vietnam era: "You haven't lived until you've almost died for those who have fought for it, freedom has a favor that the protected will never know." May you have many Memorial Day memories!

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea, written by Dr. Luetta G Werner

Published in the Marion Record, May 28th, 1998.

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Till next time,

Trina