** Around the yard on Memorial Day 2013 **
When I was growing up, our holidays were usually shared with our large extended family in Michigan. As time went on and family members moved away it became a challenge to keep up with one another at holiday time. With everyone's different schedules and time zones, phone calls often came at inopportune moments. So, somewhere along the line we made an unwritten rule that no matter what was going on, at 4:00 we would pause to remember and think of one another. From then on, it was common for Christmas cards to include the line "we'll be thinking of you at 4:00". While it wasn't quite the same as being together, it felt good to know that we were still together in thought.
Today, as we in America celebrate Memorial Day, it is my hope that as we go about our day we take time to remember the huge sacrifices that have been made by the men and women who have fought and lost their lives while serving our country.
Yes, between parades and swimming pools, barbecues and get-togethers, it can be a busy day. But, even in the midst of all the busyness, there's a way to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the Memorial Day holiday. Today at 3:00, take one minute to observe silence, remember our true heroes and listen to Taps being played. By doing this you will be participating in the National Moment of Remembrance
(click to learn more)
When I read about this it brought to mind our family 4:00 rule.
It always felt good to know that so many family members were forming a united front of happy family memories all at the same time.
I'm envisioning a similar united front of Americans today at 3:00.
I'd like to think we can set aside our political differences and honor our heroes and their families by remembering the sacrifices they made for us all.
Wonderful post, Kim, and thanks for alerting me for taps at 3 PM today. I will do that. I also like your "thinking of you at 4 PM" arrangement, a special way to connect with family. xo
ReplyDeleteI like your family tradition at 4 pm! Also, thanks for telling us about 3 pm. I'll have my family here pause in remembrance, too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful mosaic! Have a lovely day.
Thanks for a beautiful post for a special holiday. We've been talking about how thankful we are today. We just got back from a walk in the park...what a blessing to have such freedom here in our country. Sweet hugs!
ReplyDeleteThe 4 :00 rule is a wonderful idea!!!
ReplyDeleteYour mosaic is beautiful and so is your post!!
I agree! 4:00. Done. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes to honoring our soldiers, too.
This is similar to our two minutes' silence at 11.00 a.m. on 11th November - 'the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year'. It used to be called Armistice Day, the day the First World War ended. Now it's known as Remembrance Day. At eleven, supermarkets and schools fall quiet for two minutes - the first minute to remember those who have died in the service of our country, the second to remember the families left behind.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in sharing this important message. I can see how much I would appreciate having family stopping and thinking of me at a certain hour, and the time we spent in America thinking of those who gave so much for us. I like how you compared the two and how special it made you feel. You have a way of sharing heart messages in a meaningful and memorable way. Thank you Kim!
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