Beech Tree News Network

Next Monday, Memorial Day, is a day to commemorate U.S. men and women who died while serving in the military. At this time of year, some people also visit cemeteries, placing flowers on monuments of loved ones. It’s an emotional time for many, remembering loved ones who are gone.

Some people have commented about Memorial Day, and a few of those comments are listed below (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_memorialday2.html):
•    The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. -Jeff Miller
•    True patriotism isn't cheap. It's about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going. -Robert Reich
•    Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Services make to defend our way of life. -Robin Hayes
•    In remembering those who lost their lives in the London attacks and the September 11th attacks we continue our commitment to fighting for freedom, democracy and justice. -Doc Hastings

I asked friends and family whether they remember loved ones who are gone and/or do anything special Memorial Day weekend. Their responses are listed below:
•    No, since my family is so far away. Otherwise, our family tradition was to put flowers on graves.
•    I may say an extra prayer for those who have lost loved ones, but I don’t really do anything special otherwise.
•    Nothing special. I just plan to spend time with my family and try to rest.
•    Memorial Day, oddly enough, is not a day that we do anything special.
•    Not on Memorial Day only.
•    I always think of my grandmother. She worked so hard on making flowers for everyone in her family. She had a baby and a baby brother who had died. She had lost both parents and all her sisters. She always placed flowers on all of their graves. She lived 900 miles away for several years but always came home to Kentucky in May to decorate their graves. Thanks for the reminder that I need to decorate hers.
•    We make the rounds to the cemeteries to remember loved ones who have gone home – all the way back to my great grandparents. Then sometimes during the weekend we have a family cookout and celebrate my birthday.
•    I remember them always, but I’m not sure it’s any more on that day than usual. We usually stay home and rest – kick off to summertime.
•    My husband’s family visits cemeteries all weekend and puts flowers on the graves of friends and family. We usually visit a few cemeteries and have a cookout for family and friends.
•    I like to place flowers on one special grave for Memorial Day weekend. My mom and uncle take flowers to some family members’ graves, too. This weekend sets aside a time to remember, but those special people who are gone have become a part of me and are never forgotten.

All of us have lost or will lose someone we love. John Taylor said, “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil” (http://www.yourtribute.com/quote/john-taylor-mourning-loss-friend/). As I remember lost loved ones, I am very grateful for having had them in my life.