Memorial Day

I never met my great uncle, Russell. He died in World War II. His three brothers, including my grandfather, served as did my grandmother's brother, two of my uncles, my father in law and my father. Not to mention numerous other friends and relatives. In gratitude to them and the hundreds of other solders, sailors, airmen and marines, I offer this.

It is a  poem that has become iconic. Written by a doctor in the Canadian army after he had just treated, and then performed the funeral for, a friend and former student, it reminds us of the sacrifices of war.

In Flanders Fields 

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. 

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
            Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) 

For more on the story of this poem, click here.


As you enjoy Memorial Day, remember those who serve, those who have served and those who made the Supreme Sacrifice.

For Military Kids

I forgot to wear purple on April 13. Actually, I meant to post on the 12th, explaining why everyone should wear purple on the 13th. Oops.

Apparently, purple is the color that represents all the branches of the military. It's a mix of army green, navy blue, marine red, etc. April is Military Kid Awareness Month. The 13th was the day picked by Operation Military Kids to encourage people to wear purple to thank and support these young heros.

I was a military kid once. Don't remember it much. I was born on Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and spent my infancy there. My father was a Captain in the reserves after that for a several years.

For kids whose parents are actually deployed, things can be tough. Military families usually don't have a lot (I'll have more to say on that in another post.) and separation is hard regardless. While modern technology allows for more communication than was available years ago, that doesn't make up for the lack of hugs, homework help and fishing trips.

So, if you know a military kid, give them a hand. A hug and smile will be a blessing. A special outing will be deeply appreciated. And don't forget the at home parent. They could use a  little help, too. Maybe mow the lawn, do the dishes, babysit?

Whether you know a military kid or not, say a prayer for them all. They deserve it.

Have a blessed day!





I am also participating in the Ultimate Blogging Challenge. This is post #19 of the 30 I need to do in April to meet the challenge.

Veteran's Memorial

"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure."

                                                                                                     ~Abraham Lincoln



Today, in honor of Veteran's Day, my town dedicated a new granite WWII Memorial Monument to replace the old decaying wooden one. It was at the request of veteran's and the town paid for it without  using any local taxes or government grants. It was all private donations from local residents, organizations and businesses. It was put up this week.

Jordan took pictures of both the building and the dedication. He go to learn about Armistice Day, weight load limits, cranes, monument building, granite and patriotism.

I hope that he learned how important it is to thank veteran's. I think I will set an example. To all of you military men and women, current and former, young and old, living and dead, whatever war you served in or if you served in peace:

THANK YOU!!

Praying for Westboro Baptist Church

Recently, my church prayed that Westboro Baptist church would know God's love. If anyone needs to know God's love those people do.

Yesterday, a friend posted this article about a response to them:
Mississippi town figures out simple, effective way to stop Westboro Baptist Church funeral protest

While I don't like condoning someone being beating and the witnesses "not knowing anything", I think the rest of this response was awesome.

I also love the way the Patriot Guard Riders handle military funerals at which protesters are present. With the family's permission, they use their motorcylces and themselves to form a screen between the protesters and the funeral procession. They sing patriotic songs to drown out protester's chants. There is no violence, no confrontation as part of the strategy. They are there to both honor and protect fallen soldiers. More about them here: Patriot Guard Riders

Sometimes people are accused of hate by those who disagree with them. It's not always true. People can make a statement against a particular behavior without hating those who participate in it. In fact, it may be just the opposite. By the same token, groups that promote things that the Bible disagrees with do not necessarily hate God or Christians. They may simply not believe in God or they may love Him. Disagreement does not equal hate.


In the case of Westboro, though, hate is obvious. They preach it, teach it, announce it to the world. I don't think we should hate them back. Stand against their teachings and their actions at military funerals, yes. But not hate. That would make us too much like them. Personally, I don't want to go there.


I hope that some day the people of that church know God's love so that they can share it. Let's pray for that day.


Blessings on you!










"If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?" 1 John 4:20