Tag Archives: Memorial Day

Memorial Day 2017

by

Born out of the Civil War, Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to the United States of America.

Many in America confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day or think of it as a 3 day holiday weekend.  It is not a time to say “Happy Memorial Day”, rather it is a time of solemn remembrance of those who died in service to the country.

The City of Radford hosts a Memorial Day Service each year, and I am proud to serve on the organizing committee.  The program includes short speeches from local dignitaries, music from the High School band and choir, and participation by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Vietnam Veterans.  Hundreds of people attend the service each year, and this year was our 19th annual service.

I wasn’t able to take many photos but thankfully we had great print and TV media coverage.  The program ends with a 21 gun salute, a bagpiper plays Amazing Grace, and a trumpeter plays Taps. For a small town program run entirely by volunteers, it really is quite powerful.

_MG_9317-2

Please follow this link to read a bit about this year’s program.  Mike Gangloff describes the day much better than I.  He quotes one of our speakers as saying that Memorial Day isn’t “about sales and cookouts and the opening of swimming pools, but the sacrifice of soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen. They gave us all their tomorrows so we could enjoy ours.”

1

I feel so honored to work with these veterans each year, and even convinced them to take a group “selfie” with me.

We Remember

by

Memorial Day is the most solemn American holiday.

Originally called Decoration Day, it is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to the United States of America, and this year is the 150th Anniversary.

_MG_4835-3

It is an honor to serve on the committe that plans Radford’s Annual Memorial Day Service.  A couple of the veterans on the committee arrive at the park the night before Memorial Day each year to set up the Field of Crosses, and to hang the flags that represent each branch of the Armed Forces.

20160529_202527-4

I stopped by this evening, to deliver some home baked cookies, and spend a little time with these devoted vets.

20160529_211011-4

Armed with only my cell phone, I tried to capture the scene.  It was slightly cool, with a gentle breeze, a truly beautiful evening, and I couldn’t help but think of the soldiers, sailors, airmen/women, and marines who are in harms way every day.

One of the vets on the committee made this memorial, and it remains in his front yard year round.

_MG_2624-2

As we celebrate the holiday weekend, let’s all take just a few moments to remember the reason for this day.

6a00e551ef15fe883401538ed157c2970b-800wi

As noted in my previous post, the month of May is a time of significant civic obligation. I’ll be back to visiting all of you soon!

21 Gun Salute

by

Participation on Radford’s Annual Memorial Day Service committee is one of my most favorite volunteer duties.  Working with veterans and other civic minded folks is a great reminder that Memorial Day is more than cookouts and blockbuster sales.

Don’t get me wrong … I do love a cook out!  Volunteer service on this committee however assures me that each year, I spend a few hours on the last Monday in May remembering the men and women who have died in military service.

Towards the end of the program, a 21 Gun Salute is provided by the Veterans of VFW Post 776.

_MG_4911 _MG_4920 _MG_4999

In this next image, you can see the spent shells in the air after being fired.

_MG_4997

More to come from Radford’s Annual Memorial Day Service.

_MG_4827