• Saturday-What'sUP May 30 - 07:23 am

Memorial Day - celebrated this coming Monday - began in the 1800's as a time to honor the men and women who have died during military service. Traditionally we place flags and/or flowers on their graves, like these two photos from Aladino Mandoli. Here in Lake Linden, the local American Legion holds a ceremony out at the cemetery, also. I remember in high school, band members would play taps for the service. The trumpet would be near the people and the trombone would be further away up near the woods. The trumpet would play a line of taps and the trombone would follow with the same line, like an echo. It was always very moving...

It's also become tradition to place flowers on your loved ones graves for Memorial Day, too. Let's make it a point to do something to honor our fallen veterans this year, to thank them and their families for the ultimate sacrifice they made. On Monday, take the time to visit the cemetery and while you're visiting your loved ones resting place, stop by the veteran's plot and pay your respects there, too.

These photos are a nice tribute to the fallen in combat. BTW, since the traditional Memorial Day is consecutive with the Monday observance, is anyone planning to display Old Glory on both days? I want to do that, myself.

God Bless all of our men and women who have served this great nation both past and present.
We have freedom because of their sacrifice, we should be so thankful we have the opportunity to live in such a great nation. Thanks to all who are proud to wear the uniform.

Remembering those who protect our freedom, the freedom we have is not free or cheap. God bless our millitary.

I have displayed all of my red white and blue items, like lights, wreaths, and garland, for 2 weeks now. Since I will be loading up the truck for my move to the UP on Tuesday, I will leave all of this stuff up until Tuesday morning and load my flags and Goose dressed as Uncle Sam last. The lights and mini flags all fit into a Blue Rubbermaid 18 gal. container that will fit right nicely in the back of the U-Haul. I can hardly wait until the door to that truck is closed and I start on my journey Home.

Thomas, we wave Old Glory everyday! Pictures are beautiful. All have a safe Memorial Day Weekend.

My husband played taps. He was the one right up front, all eyes upon him. The times he played taps for buddies that came home from Viet Nam, were the most difficult.

Theresa....safe travels with your move!

I remember my cousin David Cavis from Tamarack Mills who fought in the Viet Nam War & gave up his life there. It's a day we should remember all of our fallen soldiers who have gone before us to protect our country & stand up for our freedoms. RIP

Ernie, I second that. Well said.

Pray for ALL the young men and women who gave all for our freedom. Also for all that are serving now and for all that have served, so that we can enjoy our freedom. Remember "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE".

A perfectly manicured lawn
Surrounds a sea of bright white crosses
Standing stoically, silently
In the early morning mist
And as the sultry sun rises
Flowers of freedom bloom
Adorning each grave
A mesmerizing moment of stars and stripes waving
Standing proudly as bustling blowing breezes bellow
Swearing an allegiance to a land that is free
A bugler in the far distance
Plays out Taps
As the sweet and eerie sound
Echoes a song of sacrifice
To God and country
From the countless men and women
Who silently safeguard the red, white and blue…

My sister who fought a brave fight against breast cancer was a volunteer coordinator for the VA hospitals in Indianapolis and recently St Louis Mo. She received an award for the Veterans Day celebration that she organized weeks before her death. She talked a War War 11 vet who was a prisoner of war for 4 years ( He was Jewish ) to come to to the ceremonies. He at first said no. It was a Jewish High Holiday , but Pam said I took care of that you are giving the invocation and then you will have plenty of time to go home. He did a great job and smiled as he faced Pam and she hugged him and said "Thanks for your service" and that was when he cried. She made sure all servicemen were treated equally. When Christmas sweaters were handed out to just the Iraq soldiers she protested and cried that no Vietnam serviceman was to see that. She had her family Stewart, Peg, Pat and John at her bedside. She was in a hospice for 2 weeks. Her daughter Kelly survives her.

God bless all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and all those who still serve....and May God Bless America!

"In Flanders Fields" In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The Larks, still singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw thesunset glow, Loved and were Loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields. Take up your quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields. By: Lt. Col.John McCrae, MD(1872-1918) Canadian Army