Memorial Day Tribute

Memorial Day is the day we honor our brave fallen soldiers. 

1971 was the year Memorial Day was established as an official holiday. 

In honor of Memorial Day, there is a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 P.M. (Eastern Standard Time) 

Here are the reasons we honor this day:

Soldiers who died:

American Revolution: 4,435

War of 1812:  2,260

Indian Wars: 1,000 (est)

Mexican War: 13,283

Civil War: 498,332

Spanish American War: 2,446

World War 1: 116,516

World War 11:  405,399

Korean War: 54,246

Vietnam War: 90,220

Desert Storm: 1,948

Iraqi Freedom: 4,422

Afghanistan- Enduring Freedom: 2,286 - ongoing

Our brave young soldiers have not only fought to keep our country free, but have also bravely given their lives for freedom around the world. 

We owe a great debt to these brave men and women. 

Every Memorial Day, my Dear Father placed flowers upon the grave of a forgotten soldier. 

Now that my Father is gone, we have carried on this tradition. 

This Memorial Day we went to our local cemetery to find a forgotten soldier. 

This year we honored Henry W. Martin who bravely served in World War 1. 

And a candidate for our next honored visit, Robert Williams who served in the Spanish American War. 

On the grave of every soldier was placed an American Flag. 

There were many graves with flowers, placed by family members and people like us who wanted to pay tribute. 

From there we take the sweet country roads to Tahoma National Cemetery where my Dear Father now rests. 

He also bravely served his country in the Korean War. 

The fields are full of buttercups, creating lovely scenes. 

This beautiful barnyard caught my eye. 

Its pastures filled with happy cows. 

As we drive into the National Cemetery, we are greeted by our beautiful symbols of freedom lining the drive

This is a busy weekend here and families gathered near grave sites to honor their loved ones.  

We place flowers on my Dear Father's grave. 

I still can't believe that he is gone. 

Our beautiful flags. 

We leave this solemn place and make the long drive towards home. 

The beautiful countryside lifts our spirits. 

This land that our brave soldiers fought for. 

Our recent rains have turned everything green. 

Happy cows graze in waist deep grass. 

America the Beautiful. 

We should never take our freedom for granted. 

As we turn down the last leg of our journey, this beautiful Chestnut tree greets us in full bloom. 

And this Wisteria that has reached the very top of this 100 ft. tall Douglas Fir tree!

I hope you have a lovely Memorial Day. 

Don't forget the moment of silence in honor of our brave soldiers at 3 p.m. ! 

For without their sacrifice, this world would not know the freedoms we now take for granted. 

xoxo