Boots in memory of those who died serving their country
Donated Veteran Casket Flags at Broken Arrow’s Floral Haven Cemetery
Honoring Veterans at my 50th High School Reunion in Albuquerque last summer
Cemetery at Oklahoma’s Fort Reno
Graves of Italian Prisoners of War at Fort Reno.
German POW’s at Fort Reno from World War II who were in Oklahoma.
Memorial Day this year is Monday, May 30th.
It’s a day to honor those who died while defending our country.
Many people also use the day to honor family members who have passed on.
(Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_memorialday.html)
Over 3000 Veteran’s Casket Flags Flying at Foral Haven Cemetery, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Always Remember Those Who Fought For Us.
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| All Pics at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow. They do a great job on Memorial Day. |
Memorial Day is the day we remember those who died defending our country and veterans who have passed on and just people we miss.
Flags are put out and graves decorated. The cemeteries really are colorful this time of year.
Whole families show up with flowers and buckets. Things are cleaned up and trimmed, the flowers are arranged and rearranged. Pictures are taken and retaken. Sometimes little pinwheels are set in the ground and knick knacks are set on stones. Stuff like small University of Oklahoma football helmets or old fishing lures, stuff like that.
It seems to be pretty happy work for the most part. It is good to remember those who have gone on before us.
I came across this Medal of Honor awardee’s grave. That of Lieutenant Ernest Childers, a Native American, a member of the Creek Tribe, who despite a broken foot, took out two machine gun nests in Italy in 1943, as well as killing two snipers who were trying to kill him.
Who are you remembering this Memorial Day?
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” – President John F. Kennedy
"In this place where valor sleeps, we are reminded why America has always gone to war reluctantly, because we know the costs of war..." President George W. Bush
Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma has a great Memorial Day tradition. They fly the donated casket flags of the veterans who are buried at the cemetery. They are raised on the Friday before by JROTC members from area schools, family members, and Floral Haven staff. They are taken down the day of Memorial Day by area Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. In addition, the American Legion places a small flag on each veteran’s grave. There are also ceremonies, speeches, and remembrances. Check the link for the details.
Each flagpole has a brass plate idenifying who the flag is flying for. I think this whole thing is just wonderful. This year there are a little over 3000 flags. I think that it is a great way of honoring our deceased veterans.
“On Memorial Day, we honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service of our country. And while our commitment to those who serve and their families remains important every day, Memorial Day is the perfect time to offer a simple act of kindness to our veterans and military families….”
President Barack Obama