Some Gave All.

Today is Memorial Day here in the US, a holiday of national rememberance for those who have died in our nations wars. (as opposed to Veterans Day, which celebrates all those who have served). Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day” when it was instituted in 1868 to honor the dead of the Civil War. After WWI the celebration changed from honoring those who died fighting the Civil War to Americans who died fighting any war.

Here in my hometown we celebrate with a geniune, honest to goodness small town parade and memorial ceremony in the cemetary, complete with flags, scouts (boy and girl), fireman, veterans, a 21 gun salute and Taps (which always makes me bawl like a baby-especially when they have a live bugler). This year, my second in my new “hometown”, I did not march (due to babysitting issues), but I felt guilty the whole time. Next year I promise to put my uniform on and join the parade with the others.

In honor of Memorial Day, here is a link (free link-so there is the frugal tie in) to a video clip of a Memorial Day song . It happens to have been written by a gentleman in Waterloo NY, which is about 100 miles from where I live. Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966. (Although noone can say for certain where it really started)

Another great song (actually written for Canada’s Veterans Day, which is the same day in Canada as America) to remember our veterans is “A Pittance of Time” by Terry Kelly. The song stems from a real life occurance, and the website that contains the video also has the story behind why he wrote the song. Again, this is one of those videos I can’t watch without crying. ( I really am a sop).

Trace Adkins (Country music star) also has a song that came out a year or so called “Arlington“. On the linked page click on the second song “Arlington”. You’ll have to watch a short commercial before getting to the video.

Please, take a few moments today to consider those who have died, at any time in history, in service to our country. And say a prayer too for the families, friends and loved ones who they have left behind.