And a happy Sunday to all! These two pinups are by Edward Reed, with a wee bit of help, and is in honor of Memorial Day weekend, which started not long after the Civil War
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication “To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead” (Source: Duke University’s Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860’s tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
I debated long about posting the two, yet, the Civil War was about freedom of the People and of States vs the power of the Federal Government, not just about slavery. Therefore, as Memorial Day is about honoring the dead from both sides, it is only proper to post both.
So, what is happening out there?
- A Lovely Infidel asks “What are your plans for Memorial Day Weekend?”
- The Anchoress “Americans will die for freedom…..”
- Flopping Aces has a wonderful Memorial Day tribute
- Blackfive has a tribute to those left behind
- Michael Yon has a message from Iraq (via Sister Toldjah)
- Right Wing Nut House reflects on 230 years of blood and sacrifice
- Beth (Blue Star Chronicles) has the Star Spangled Banner and Lost Wars
- Little Miss Attila is going back to the left
- Moonbattery highlights a moonbat denouncing bloggers.
- Q An O offers up Just A Reminder (I would also recommend reading their previous post on Ron Paul, as well)
- The Florida Masochist (Bullwinkle Blog) offers up the Knucklehead of the Day
- Beth (MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy) says cancer sucks
- Debbie at Right Truth offers up her Memorial Day weekend thoughts
- Still Stacy has her weekend music choice
- And, last, but not least, Basil loves Catfish and counts chickens
Finally, a poem
Remember rockets red glare
bombs bursting in air
gave threw the night that our flag is still there.Our forefathers reminder of a price to be paid and responsibility to inherit the United States.
Rockets red glare bombs bursting in air
Words fallen on ears unwilling to hear.
deaf no more we all know now the price of freedom the price of war.Freeborn children listen and see a new generation paying for you and me
Don’t be so blind or so deaf to the sights and sounds Americans have left,
Let freedom scream in our ears and minds never forget those left behind.
Freeborn children stand tall and see! does the banner old glory yet wave for theeGod bless America.
Forget Me Not, by Bill Chance (2001)Â 
