A person gets from a symbol, the meaning he puts into it.- Justice Robert Jackson
For most Americans, Memorial Day means a long weekend and BBQs.
We are no exception. But in the midst of celebrating, we remember. Travel reminds us of those who gifted us freedom to do that. And our gatherings are meant to be celebratory as they would have wanted.
On Saturday, we spent the morning placing flags for Monday’s ceremony. I have spent countless hours volunteering at our National Cemetery in Phoenix. This year was the first in a long time we could be back. I figured we might have our work cut out for us with, maybe, staff and a few organizations present.
We go. We have known too many.
We arrived to hundreds of volunteers, ready to honor and celebrate those who made a choice to defend our freedom, many making the ultimate sacrifice.
My heart? Full.
This year I have gathered quotes that puts meaning into this holiday for me and while we will return on Monday for the formal ceremony, welcome to the spirit of what happens when we come together for a greater cause.
Memorial Day – 2022
Heroes never die. They live on in the hearts and the minds of those who would follow in their footsteps. – Emily Potter.
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. – Joseph Campbell
So long as the memory of certain beloved friends live in my heart, I shall say that life is good. – Helen Keller
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the capacity to act despite our fears. – John McCain
And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. – Lee Greenwood
Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a life time. – Adlai Stevenson II
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. – John F. Kennedy
Wind Kisses, Donna
Shared with: Marsha/WQW, John/cellpic, Hammad/Weekend Sky, Natalie/coffee share
Wind Kisses 
Thank you, Donna, for sharing this with us at #weekendcoffeeshare. It’s very moving to see so many flags at the cemetery.
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HI Natalie. I loved having a place to share my weekend. Thank YOU. I realized I forgot to tag you. Thank you for the reminder. You have such a graceful way of presenting life. I am not always here, but when I visit, I love what you have to share. Grateful for you. Donna
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Thank you for your service, Donna. Beautiful work. 🙂
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Thank YOU Marsha. We just returned from the formal ceremony. It was special to have Dale interviewed and share our perspective regarding today. Supposedly on channel 10. Haven’t seen it anywhere yet. Thank you for your fantastic post regarding Memorial Day. You did an outstanding job. It is a day that is very much close to “home” for us.
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I can see that it is an important holiday or commemoration for you. I love your giving spirit.
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Thank you for doing this, Donna!
Beautiful quotes… thank you!
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It is a wonderful feeling to give back in this regard. Lots of sacrifices from those who walked ahead of us. Thank you, Nancy.
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This one is really special Donna, thanks for the very touching reminder. All of the images are great but the one with the drawing and beer caps really touched my heart. To remember someone so personally made the reality of the huge sacrifice really come to life. A truly wonderful post.
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Thanks Tina. Yes… while we walked around placing flags, I read every name out loud. When I came across this one, I stopped for a minute. I really does bring life back, if only for a minute. In my work there, it wasn’t uncommon to find someone sitting on a stone, just talking or sharing a coke, or a beer. Thanks for taking time to read. It is true…we have known too many. I met a man who lost his 19 year old son and for the next year visited every single day talking to him. 19.
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So very sad. Your post really brought it home.
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