Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The Day After: A Sobering Experience

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, NY

 
This post has nothing to do with drinking. It has everything to do with remembering. Specifically, remembering why we're here in the first place.

Jon and I decided to visit Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on Memorial Day for a variety of reasons. We both have family buried there, Jon is an Army veteran, and the press was saying how beautifully stirring the waving flags are on our soldiers gravesites. Our local media was right.

I can tell you it sent chills up my spine. Looking at the photos we took still gives me ample reason to keep a box of tissues by my side. It makes me pause to give thanks for all we have.

These  brave men died so we can be free to worship as we please, write what we want, work at what we love best or at least work, and enjoy the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We're very fortunate to live in this country with all it's warts pimples, and imperfections. But they're minor inconveniences compared to others who live in countries where women are treated like second class citizens, and people like me, both male and female, who rant about our politicians, would be hung at high noon in front of a cheering mob of political guerillas.    

Every day get down on your knees and give thanks to our fallen soldiers whose ultimate sacrifice keeps us free. Do it for you. Do it for them.
They can no longer kneel. 






6 comments:

Randy Johnson said...

A great reminder for us all. Well written and photographed Pam!

Valerie said...

Very well said, Pam. I gave thanks along with you on your Memorial Day.

Pam Beers. said...

Thanks, Randy and Val. British troops fought along side us during WW II. My heart goes out to them as well.

Pondside said...

The photos are certainly stirring. I know that when I've been at Canadian and Commonwealth war graves in Europe it is tremendously moving to look at the rows on rows of crosses and know that two generations of sons and many daughters gave their lives so that we could live in freedom, as you expressed so well.

Granny-Guru said...

This is a beautiful tradition of placing flags on the graves for Memorial Day. We are all in their debt.

Anonymous said...

As a family member of a long line of men and now women that foungh and some gave life four our freedom, thank you for sharing.