Memorial Day

I am such a patriot! I cry almost every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner. I know, I’m a sucker for sappy things…and…I don’t care. I love this country and I feel so privileged to be living here.

We celebrated Memorial Day in a way we haven’t in the past. Instead of the picnic or family reunion, we went to the cemetery. It sounds morbid at first, but let me describe the scene. I went to the 10:00 ceremony dedicated to all those who have fought for this country and our freedom since the Revolutionary War. When I arrived, the streets were lined with American flags and there were flags on all the graves of veterans. There were probably 300 people for the ceremony. There were veterans there clear back to WWII. There was also a group of the Coast Guard who stood in formation the entire ceremony. There were many wreath presentations, a men’s chorus sang, a 21-gun salute and a lone bugle playing taps. There was hardly a dry eye when the main speaker talked about our nation’s past and how so many have given their lives for the cause of freedom for us here in the U.S. and as well as safety and a chance for democracy in other places.

When the ceremony was complete and the hugging people had dissipated, I took another look around the cemetery. The American Legion had spent the wee hours of the morning placing over 800 flags along the streets. They had a map so that people could go to their specific family member’s flag if they chose. Two troops of cub scouts had spent the Saturday before placing a small flag on each veteran’s grave. The care and respect for the fallen was awesome! It was truly an amazing experience and I will never look at this day again in the same way.

Summertime in the world of cross stitching means flags and fun. We have some really fun projects. Check ‘em out.