Memorial Day

[helwen]

The parade and ceremonies went well today, and were well attended. Our color guard was in good form, and someone had arranged a Missing Man formation to fly over the cemetery. As far as I could tell, all branches were represented. Most of the vets who were in the parade marched right behind the color guard. One is with the band, and looked very smart in his sailor uniform -- he and L both play trombone. The flags in town and at the cemetery were raised and then lowered to half mast as appropriate. This year the military person giving a speech was a Captain Chadwick of the Air Force (I hope I remembered his rank correctly!). There was also singing by girl scouts, brownies, and a new local singing group, and also a soloist. The latter two were quite good, the first two were enthusiastic ;) The boy scouts had the honor of helping with the flag ceremony in town, and a girl scout and a boy scout hung a memorial wreath on the veterans memorial. Some local folks, I didn't quite catch who, donated two new stone benches that are one to each side of the memorial, for those who would like to visit there. The names of those from Ashfield who have been lost in the past year were read out (many from old age, so no, we didn't lose a bunch of people overseas this past year). An addition this particular year was a moment of silence for those who were lost most recently in a training exercise, at the request of one of the vet's son who is currently overseas.

The music is quite traditional for the most part, Grand Old Flag, My Country Tis of Thee, America the Beautiful; there was also a lovely song (God of All Nations, I think), about peace.

***
My thanks to my ancestors, father, brothers, friends, and all the rest of the men and women who have fought to preserve freedom and justice. I know there are folks who will argue about war (and believe me, I have my thoughts on what's happening and what has happened), but these honorable folks have done and are doing the best they are able to serve our nation, often at great sacrifice of their own happiness and comfort, and sometimes the greatest sacrifice of all.

I salute you.

Comments

[gardengirl6.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

Your ceremony sounds lovely. I wish we could have attended our parade and ceremony today, but Adam had a GI virus yesterday and we are just staying close to home today.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about Adam being ill :( Hope he recovers quickly!

[freya46.livejournal.com]

Memorial Day isn't about the wars that govts. decide to carry out. It's about the soldiers who fight/fought in them. THEY have earned the honour.

I too honour and thank them.