Memorial Day by Joyce Kilmer
The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.
The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.
Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.
May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.
In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace…Who brought a sword.
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keepthecoffeecoming.blog 
May 31, 2010 at 11:50 am
This holiday used to be called ‘Decoration Day’. The first celebration was on May 30th, 1868. It was called “Decoration Day,” and was created by civil war general, John Logan. Logan wanted the day to help mend the relationship between the North and the South after the Civil War.
General John Logan chose May 30th for two reasons. The first being that it was a day that no Civil war battles took place on, and second, he thought that flowers would be in bloom all over The United States.
Memorial Day has been celebrated for over 100 years, but it wasn’t until 1971 that it became an official holiday. This year President Obama will not be placing a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The honor will go to Vice President Biden. Arlington National Cemetery was the home of defeated General Robert E. Lee.
It’s more than a reason to go shopping for sales, or, go to the lake and drink beer. It’s more than the celebration of the beginning of the summer vacation season.
Have a great day
May 31, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Bob,
On the blog formerly known as Coffee, I had this history but didn’t think to repost-thanks for doing it.
I think all of the small town observances keep the real meaning in mind for people. There were parades all over the cape with local high school bands and veterans. The parade lasted only 15 minutes, but it was special-it was a remembrance for those we have lost.
It hit close to home for us last summer when a friend’s son was killed. We won’t forget him or all the others.
May 31, 2010 at 12:45 pm
It was a perfect day for the parade here. Had to stop by the library to make sure the flowers we planted by the honor roll on the library lawn were watered. Our sprinkler system went wonky.
We can smell the forest fires from Canada. Everything is hazy in the mountains. The smoke has permeated the house. The news said the Cape is getting it to. How’s the air down there?
Erin
May 31, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Erin,
It was perfect here too with the sun and a cool breeze.
I haven’t noticed any haze yet, but there is quite a breeze which maybe keeping the haze away from here.
May 31, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Beautiful poem.
We don´t have memorial day over here. It´s been almost two hundred years since we entered a war. That was 1814 against Napolen.
Have a great Memorial Day!
Christer.
May 31, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Christer,
Our memorial day first dates back to just after the Civil War. Sadly, we have added honored dead from every war since then, including now.