Memorial Day 2011

I am enthusiastic about most holidays. I look forward to the anticipation of them almost as much as the holidays themselves. My Dad often pokes fun at me because, apparently, every holiday is my "favorite" or the "best ever." That may just be true. Memorial Day, however, encompasses all that is patriotic, traditional, and beautiful as far as holidays go, in my opinion.

For as long as I can remember, we have made Memorial Day special. I was lucky enough to grow up with a cemetery (more accurately a "memorial park") in my backyard, and I really mean that - I was lucky. Greenacres is beyond beautiful. It is scenic and picturesque, and absolutely does not disappoint for Memorial Day every year. The "Festival of Flags" is held every year - 1500 American (and some Canadian and perhaps others) flags donated by passed Veterans' families, in their honor, line the winding roads of the cemetery.

We enjoy sitting on the swinging bench on my parents' patio in their backyard and watching the flags go up every year - and then down the evening of Memorial Day. It is truly awe-inspiring. I drink in the patriotism and feeling of Americana that exists on those beautiful spring days in May. Every "I'm proud to be an American" that I hear on the radio brings me to tears, and, as cliche' as it may sound, I really am proud. There is something about Memorial Day that really gets me thinking about how many blessings and luxuries I enjoy. I love being able to see my little girls, mini-flag replicas in hand, run around my parents back yard, giggling - they are beautiful. And more importantly, they are safe. I owe that to those that have served and are serving our country overseas.

There are other "veterans" that I am grateful for on the home front - perhaps not even in the military at all. But, those that are willing to serve myself and my family and are willing to lay down their lives to create a legacy that I am able to enjoy living under. Namely, my family, and especially my grandparents, as well as my ancestors that have passed on. I am incredibly grateful to them as well - and most of them I have never "met" - although I have most definitely felt their presence.

The morning of Memorial Day, we strolled along through the cemetery in the crisp, dewy weather that precedes what is usually a fairly sunny, albeit windy, day. We visit the grave sites of those family members that have passed on, share memories, and hear stories from my wonderful Grandpa Pratt. He knows these stories inside and out, and no matter how many times I hear them, I find myself so grateful for the family that I have been blessed to belong to. These times are precious to me. My Grandma helps Reagan adorn the graves with fresh cut Rhododendron from her garden, and all is well.

It was a beautiful day.