Memorial Day

Delwyn and I went the cemetery yesterday before church to take this patriotic heart and a hanging plant. I like to have something down there all the time.

On Memorial Day the cemetery has a program honoring the Veterans. I have wanted to go for the past couple of years, and I decided this was the year I was going. They had set up some canopies and had chairs for people to sit on. The American Legion welcomed everyone.

A scout troop did the flag ceremony. It's a little hard to see, they are behind the pillar of names.

Raising the flag.

A girl scout troop presented a patriotic wreath.

It was really pretty. Then there were 3 speakers, the Mayor of Castle Rock, someone read a talk that a Congressman had wrote but he was unable to be there to give it, and a veteran from the Iraq war. The Mayor talked about the history of Castle Rock, the Congressman and the veteran both talked about the freedoms we have in America and what great sacrifices were made to live like do. They talked about those who serve our country today and it made me think of Jonny and Nate Tenney. I felt very grateful to those who gave their lives, and I am thankful that I was born in this great country. I am proud to be an American and this presentation made me feel very patriotic.

Someone talked about the history of Memorial Day. It used to be called Decoration Day because we decorated the graves with flowers. It began after the Civil War, which claimed more lives than any war in United States history. After World War I, the holiday evolved to include military personnel who died in any war. In 1971 it became a holiday named Memorial Day. I would have been 10 years old and I remember it being called Decoration Day. 

A lady was handing out a red paper poppy to those attending and I learned that it was a tradition started during World War I times to wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war.

I've seen these monuments at the cemetery, but I haven't paid much attention to them. They are very nice.

I can't remember how many names they said are engraved on these pillars, but they read every one. It took about 15 minutes. What a great way to remember them. They are names of people from Castle Rock who lost their lives fighting for our country. 

The program lasted about 45 minutes. There were a few booths, so I walked around and looked at them. Fallen Heroes Honored

makes a Bible cover for soldiers killed in the line of duty. If the family wants to provide a small history on their soldier, they include that at the beginning. The book is placed in a nice wooden box and presented to the family. How thoughtful!

This display was a soldiers boot, helmet, and tags with a sign that said "Over 1.5 million have made the greatest sacrifice. God Bless America."

I went back to Blake's grave for few minutes. It was so sunny yesterday and it's overcast today, so I took a few more pictures.

Thinking of you and missing you today sweet Blake. I miss your laugh and your big bear hugs. So many things we take for granted until we don't have them anymore.

We are having a family cook out this afternoon. Delwyn bought some huge hot dogs from Sam's Club that he wants to try. I'm sticking with a hamburger.

Almost done! It's smelling good! I love the toasted buns.

I am so ready for summer! It's fun to spend some time in the back yard.

Melissa jumped on the trampoline with the kids. They loved it.

Claire swings for a few minutes.

Millie gives her Daddy some snuggles.

Maddie is big enough to slide by herself and she loves it!

We cut this tree down two years ago, I think, and the stump needs to be dug out. Landon and Megan got a good start on it. Yay!

Lincoln loves to collect pine cones.

We had some fun patriotic plates and

were planning to eat outside. Everything was ready and we were just carrying a few last minute things outside when we heard a huge clap of thunder. It has been overcast all day, but I didn't think it would rain. It was a mad dash to get everything back inside. Just in time and then it rained so hard and loud.

The girls love watermelon! (And all fruit actually.)

Creamies for dessert. 

Camille is still learning how to pronounce some words and she calls chocolate "chop it". It is seriously so cute. And Dagny says "tanilla" for vanilla. Chocolate is Camille's favorite and vanilla is Dagny's favorite.

Melissa loves the babies! She gets Calista on her lap whenever she can. Maddie gets jealous and wants on her Mom's lap as well.

It's been a nice Memorial Day. When I was growing up we always went to the Roosevelt cemetery on Sunday evening and put flowers on the Collins' graves. Then we went to the Lapoint cemetery on Monday and washed off the headstones and put flowers on the Taylor graves. We often walked around at both cemeteries and looked at headstones and wondered about the people who were buried there. We went to Grandma and Grandpa Taylor's and had lunch and the cousins were there. If the weather was good we ate outside. It was always a fun day and I have fond memories of it.

I also spent some time today thinking about my Dad. I wish I could take him some flowers today. The Roosevelt people post pictures on social media each year of his grave and I'm thankful for that. The great grandkids are standing by his headstone and it's always so nice. They take him matchbox cars and pinwheels along with flowers. He would love it. I'm glad we have this day to think about the soldiers who gave their all for this great country and to remember those we love who have passed on.