by Susan
Sunday my husband and I attended a concert honoring our veterans. It was performed by the Music Department at Missouri State University and was very moving. The band played a number of patriotic numbers including an original version of Yankee Doodle. There was dancing, a really tall Uncle Sam on stilts and a guest speaker.
The guest speaker was Ralph Manly a 78 year old veteran of WWII. He was an energetic fellow who had served the United States for many years and was also wounded six times.
Another highlight of the afternoon was the special recognition which was given to all in the audience who served in either the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard. The band played the music for each branch of the service as those who served stood and were applauded. My husband stood with the Army. My brother and my father were also in the Army. My oldest son was in the Navy.
I found it especially moving when a single bugler played taps. It brought tears to my eyes as I recalled my father's funeral service. In my opinion, honoring our veterans is one of the most patriotic things we can do.
Archive for the ‘veterans’ Category
Honoring Our Veterans
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008Happy Memorial Day Weekend…..by Susan
Sunday, May 25th, 2008
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! This holiday is of particular significance to me because my dad was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War. My brother, David, who co-authors this blog, served in the military during the Vietnam war. My oldest son served two tours of service on a carrier in the Persian Gulf a few years ago. Military service by our loved ones is something we can all honor.
Loss of life, loss of relationships and loss of good mental health are all things that our current military and our veterans are dealing with on a daily basis. Family problems and problems with depression or suicidal feelings are things our veterans struggle to overcome. I pray for all who have served our country.
I found some interesting reading about the origin of Memorial Day, which originally occurred on May 30th each year. I was surprised that the observance of this holiday goes all the way back to the Civil War. You can read some of the interesting facts surrounding this holiday at wikipedia.org.
Loss of life, loss of relationships and loss of good mental health are all things that our current military and our veterans are dealing with on a daily basis. Family problems and problems with depression or suicidal feelings are things our veterans struggle to overcome. I pray for all who have served our country.
I found some interesting reading about the origin of Memorial Day, which originally occurred on May 30th each year. I was surprised that the observance of this holiday goes all the way back to the Civil War. You can read some of the interesting facts surrounding this holiday at wikipedia.org.