"Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough: The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper.
Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply."
As I promised in my post, "Observing a Mural Artist at Work", here is the completed right side of the mural. The purpose of the mural is to honor the towns railroad history and to honor our veterans. Click HERE if you would like to read this post.
As far back as I can remember, I have known about the Buddy Poppy. Each year it is given away on Memorial Day week end, by a member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).
Yesterday, while doing my weekly grocery shopping, is when I saw him. A neighbor and veteran, a member of the VFW...standing outside the entrance of the store, giving away a "Buddy Poppy".
To tell you the truth, I didn't know the history of the poppy until I decided to write this post. If you would like to read more about it, please click HERE.
Below is the beautiful poem by Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D. of the Canadian forces. He was inspired by the poppies growing wild amid the ravaged landscape in the World War I battlefields of Belgium.
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 bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders
fields.
Take up our 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. May we remember those who have given so much. Meggie Mac
In the United States, we celebrate Memorial Day this week end. The holiday, formerly known as Decoration Day, originated after the American Civil War. The cemetery is about 6 miles from the farm.
Driving the narrow country road, you will find the historical church and cemetery located in the middle of the large group of trees, on the right side of the road.
The cemetery is connected to Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. The sign over the entrance is metal with the words cut out. You can see that some words have the blue sky showing through and some words, are white from the clouds.
Standing in the Older Part of the Cemetery
The oldest part of the cemetery is located towards the back where it is quite wooded. A large cross marks this entrance.
The church is part of the historical Painted Church Tour. I'll give you the grand tour of this church, next week.
This week end is a time to remember all our fallen soldiers and their families.....
