We Will Never Forget: Thank You!

Monday, May 29, 2017

If you spend any time at all in front of a television set, you know that 3 day weekends are some of the best times to go shopping; according to the advertisers.   As a credit card processing company, it is intriguing to see how companies draw business in and encourage people to make purchases but  yesterday, I counted 8 commercials that discussed the outdoor barbeques, time spent with loved ones, boating and a myriad of other activities: without mentioning the REAL reason we have these three days off each May.  We turned the TV off.

Imagine if we were to just take a moment and REALLY contemplate the reason for this 3 day weekend?  

Wikipedia has this to say about Memorial Day:

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the country's armed forces.The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

Annual Decoration Days for particular cemeteries are held on a Sunday in late spring or early summer in some rural areas of the American South, notably in the mountains. In cases involving a family graveyard where remote ancestors as well as those who were deceased more recently are buried, this may take on the character of an extended family reunion to which some people travel hundreds of miles. People gather on the designated day and put flowers on graves and renew contacts with kinfolk and others. There often is a religious service and a "dinner on the ground," the traditional term for a potluck meal in which people used to spread the dishes out on sheets or tablecloths on the grass. It is believed that this practice began before the American Civil War and thus may reflect the real origin of the "memorial day" idea.

Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.

 Those brave men and women who go off to fight the battles sometimes pay the ultimate price and they remind us that Freedom Isn't Free.  It comes with a big price tag and sometimes leaves holes in people's lives that can never fully be filled.  Today we honor the fallen heroes who died while serving our country.  
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS TOUCHING TRIBUTE  
Have a wonderful Memorial Day as we celebrate the ultimate price of freedom and the Men & Women who willingly paid that price.

Cheri Perry 5/29/2017