~~ a holiday quindecim
by tkbrown
Memorial Day was set aside to honor our family's dead. Those who in uniform died honored for the soil they tread, given a bit more recognition because they defended us too. If they were fallen in combat, talk of ways they served true was joined and tucked in a bonnet for remembrance again a year hence. Others, remembered for who they were-- a good word said that did not mince the contributions one did confer. The family plot was decorated with flowers, artificial and planted-- and flags for special honor granted. Now the day is thought special as the first summer get-away for fun. No thought is given to things stressful, and no history of family is spun. Persons in our past are mostly forgotten and no day is set aside to remember special service or skills they were totin'. Many get away in a fifth-wheel camper; while others prefer to pitch a tent and build a campfire for their supper. Yet others prefer a more modern bent with room to let and meals served proper. The day is now a summer holiday with a forward view far and away from the memory of our yesterday. As a kid, I remember an early rising with a picnic to pack for the family, visiting graveyard plots of those resting and decorating each resting spot nicely. The noon-time meal was specially planned with contributions by a multitude of kin. The spread of food was home-cooked or -canned with favorites and new fare thrown in. Before the meal a short service was given to give thanks and mention those sleeping in this beautiful spot 'specially chosen for those awaiting Jesus' coming. The day was complete after noontide fare and visiting had finished with those there for the remembrance and annual prayer.
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Photo Above: by Kacper Lawiński @pixabay.com.
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by tkbrown 