We're Out For Memorial Day

Google Dictionary gives us this definition for Memorial Day:

"Me·mo·ri·al Day

məˈmôrēəl ˌdā/

noun

noun: Memorial Day

1. a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, traditionally observed on May 30 but now officially observed on the last Monday in May."
2. 
   
3. However, here in the Appalachians we not only use this day to celebrate those who died while in Active Military Duty, but we use this day to memorialize all of our dead. As a rule, families gather and head to cemeteries on this weekend's Saturday and we "clean up" those cemeteries that don't have regular care. And we place our wreaths and flowers on the graves of our loved ones. So, up here in the mountains, everybody gets Memorial flowers on their graves. Not just those who died in active duty. Those who did die that way usually have a flag flying as well. 
4. 

   
   

It's been awhile since I've been back here. This is my sweet Mommy's tombstone. That's a picture of her and my Daddy on the stone. Daddy is still with us. He'll be 81 in August and still going strong! But we lost Mommy three years ago in July. I haven't been able to come here very often. I know some of you will understand. Losing your mother isn't easy. No matter how old you are. And every time I go here, it's like ripping a bandage off of a terrible wound. I bleed. And I weep. And I mourn like it just happened yesterday.

Mommy was a U.S. Army (Women's Army Corps) veteran, and was buried with full military honors.  Daddy is a 21 year veteran of the U.S. Navy.  It isn't easy going to this place. But it's bittersweet as it gives us pause to stop and reflect on the life of this woman who did and taught us all so much. A wonderful humanitarian, she didn't know the difference in skin color. She didn't know what inequality was, to her everyone was equal. She gave and gave, and even when she had nothing to give, she gave some more. She never turned a hand away.

If you have a mother who is in heaven today, I hope, whether you can visit her graveside or not, that you will stop and give a few moments in thanks to the One who gave you such a special blessing in your life. Because once they are gone, you grieve forever.

Be safe this day! Enjoy your barbecue, probably the first of the season! And remember those who gave their lives in honor of this great country of ours! God bless you all!

Memorial Day Monday

Memorial Day

Today We Remember

The Monroe Bean's

Those Who Have Served

Cathy F. Beane

USA

Christopher S. Adwell

USA

Phillip Beane

USA

David L. Beane

USA

Richard Harriff, Jr.

USMC

Donald Ward

USA

1917-2000

Edsel F. Beane

USA

Emmette L. Beane

USN

1910-1988

Jack Beane-Ashley

USA

Jeffrey S. Beane

USA

Kent Hall

USAF

William M. Beane

USMC

1917-2014

Johnnie L. Henry

USA

Lama W. Beane

USA

1899-1952

Earl Leon Loper
USA

1900-1946

Robert Loper

USAF

Walter Beane

USN

William M. Bean

CSA

USA

1832-1890

Lois V. Beane

USA WACS

1938-2015

(no photo)

Robert Lively, Jr.

USA

Thomas N. Bean

CSA

1823-1911

(no photo)

James F. Bean

USA

1830-1899

(no photo)

Frank J. Holland

USA

1919-2004

My sincerest apologies for anyone I forgot to list here. For sake of time and space, I have only listed my paternal family members who have served. And if I have left anyone out, again, my apologies. For my maternal family members, again, there are many who served, and whom I did not list. Again, my apologies. Time and space limited my efforts. But if you would like a more comprehensive list, you can always send me your requests.

Please take a few moments today to remember those who have served, and who continue to serve, so that all may be free. We salute you each and every one.

(Photo from Funny Memes of 2017, no photographer listed)

And before someone slams me for not knowing that Memorial Day and Veteran's Day are two different holidays of remembrance, let me just remind everyone that Memorial Day is to honor those who served and died in their service to our Country, while Veteran's Day is to remember those who have served, or are serving now. Yes, I know that, thank you. It is my personal preference to honor ALL  both living and deceased on BOTH HOLIDAYS. We can never thank our Veteran's enough. Both those who paid the ultimate price and those who serve today.

My life has been that of a military child, (both my parents served and their photos are above), and I was a military wife for 12 years. When that marriage ended, I married a military Veteran. So, please no bashing here. I have been there during the good, the bad and the ugly. And I have considered all of them heroes. I once stared down the barrel of a gun because of a crazed person. It scared me to death! I could never do what our veterans have done, or are doing! We have active duty men and women who stand tall in the face of lives threatened and stare death in the eye. And they don't waver. If you can't call them heroes, then you don't deserve to live in this Country. And that's how I feel about it.

So, whether the holiday is for those who have died, or those who are living, matters not to me. I celebrate them ALL. And I salute them. EVERY ONE.

Sentimental Sunday - In Honor of Memorial Day

Here's a small tribute to the members of my family who have served in the military.

[This is in no way conclusive, but is a small represntation only!]

In Honor of Memorial Day

And the Men and Women Who Have Served

And Who Now Serve!