Memorial Day 2009

After our Memorial Day, my family and I all decided that it is our favorite holiday. Sure, we may say that after Christmas or Thanksgiving, but Memorial Day really does hold a very special place in our hearts. (If you know the Pratts, however, you know that everyone and everything is our "favorite.") Like I mentioned before, I grew up with a cemetery in my backyard, which could be considered strange to some but it is truly a beautiful and peaceful place. We have taken many a walk and run there. In fact, many of our family pictures have been taken there. The Festival of Flags is absolutely amazing and when they go up every year, I am so touched at what they represent and how many of them there are. My dad's side of the family also grew up with a cemetery right across the street from them, and just down the street from where my parents live now. We have loved ones that have passed on at each of these places.
It is such a happy time to visit the gravesites of loved ones and remember. Remembering is what Memorial Day is all about. No one remembers all of the stories there are to tell about each one of them better than my Grandpa Pratt. This year, all of this was to take place during Reagan's nap time. Nap time is precious these days, but we decided that Reagan had to suck it up because I would not miss this time for the world. These traditions have been a big part of my life, and I want Reagan to have the same opportunities that I did feeling connected to loved ones that have passed, even though we didn't have the opportunity to meet most of them in this life. I have some amazing relatives. Their lives and actions inspire me. Each of them deserves their own blog post. I will have to do that sometime.
After visiting all of our relatives' gravesites, we attended the program held at Greenacres. It was full of stories and music from past wartimes, and inspirational words concerning the status of our country now. Jerry Stewart, a big time radio host that has a syndicated show on KGMI spoke and I was moved to tears, as was Jason, and the rest of the crowd there, which must have been thousands of people. He spoke of returning to the way the Constitution was meant to be interpreted, as well as giving due credit to God, who gave us this country that we are so blessed to live in. He also spoke at length about those who have spilled precious blood for our freedom and those who continue to. I don't have the words to express my gratitude for these people. I am saddened when I see so many people taking advantage of their freedom and the sacrifice so many have made to keep us safe and free. We need more "memorial days" so that we don't forget what has gone into shaping this country.
Just a side note, this weekend I was reminded of the mini-series "Band of Brothers," which is about the Easy Company of the US Army 101st Airborne division and their mission in WWII. It is narrated by some of the survivors of the mission. A couple summers ago, Jason and I watched this every night for about two weeks until we finished it. (Just thinking about that makes me realize how different life is now with a child!) Anyways, it is one of the best "movies" I have ever seen and gave me a whole new level of understanding and respect for what these people went through. I highly highly highly recommend it! It will not disappoint.
Warning: Lots o' pictures

This little girl makes awesome "I'm tired but don't want anyone to know so I'll act drunk and happy" faces. Or, she just looks at all of our squinty Pratt eyes and tries to copy.