Hello and “Happy” Memorial Day!
It’s an odd thing to wish happiness on a day of remembrance — but this, we do as a matter of tradition. My family really had no Memorial Day traditions. We didn’t go to the lake or spend the day at the beach. I am sure we stayed home and treated the day just like any other weekend day.
But this is not the case for those who have lost their loved ones in service to this country. 1.2 MILLION soldiers lost in service to this country — and today, in Memorial Day tradition since the late 1860’s, we do our best to remember their sacrifice.
“Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.” — Memorial Day Facts on History.com
I’d like to share with you all a poem I wrote this morning — before I had coffee. Before I spoke to my family or planned out my day. It felt urgent to honor these soldiers (some of whom were relatives of mine) and I honor with words. I lift with words.
And however you choose to honor them — I hope that you DO.
Honor them in any way that you can and celebrate this life that WE all have because of their service.
(And do so safely — remember public safety issues in this time of Covid-19.)
For the Honor of Soldiers
a Memorial Day poem
Our tears find rest
in a sea of
white crosses.
We cannot raise
our thanks
nor their
loss — enough
to honor them.
Enough to remove
that dead look in the
eyes of their spouses,
their parents, their children.
We gave them a flag
as they buried you. 21-gun
salute shook their hearts,
trauma-bound, grieving.
Memorial Day celebrations,
since the 1860’s.
We give our moments
of silence. Sometimes
from our boats with a beer
in one hand and a hot dog
in the other — how
American
we are.
We lower our flags
half-mast and full respect
to honor their loss,
their sacrifice
for the country
we so take
for granted.
Let us, today honor
those who find rest
in a sea
of white crosses
(To show your support for this poem, used the “read the full poem” link below to read, clap, and share.)
Thank you for reading — have a wonderful holiday!
Christina M. Ward
Owner of Fiddleheads & Floss Poetry