“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
I LOVE everything about this post. I think that flying the casket flags is a remarkable tribute to the veterans who have passed on. Have a blessed day Yogi.
What a lovely tribute.
Marvelous post Yogi, a wonderful tribute. Wishing you all a very blessed Memorial Day.
Yogi, you have a fine post to honor Memorial Day. Great idea with the flags.
What a beautiful memorial, seeing all those flags flying.
An Arkies Musings
The flying flags are a wonderful remembrance. Bob’s Dad fought in WWII and is still alive. We spoke to him this morning.
That’s beautiful!
Your post gave me goosebumps. I am sitting here shivering. What a beautiful post. W’s quote stopped me and humbled me because I’m not a fan. I am glad he said what he did. I am glad they all said what they said.
Beautiful tribute and remembrance.
Happy Memorial Day!
A very nice celebration. Whether we support the war, we should still be thankful for the men and women who served.
I sometimes thing, in my understated British way, that Americans can by “over the top”. Definitely not on Memorial Day. Our “Memorial Day” is the 11th day of the 11th month when we remember our war dead by the laying of poppy wreaths and at a memorial service, attended by the Royal Family, when, at the end of the tribute thousands of poppies fall from the ceiling, honouring the dead of wars past and present.
@Leedslass – That sounds like a wonderful tribute to your war dead.
Perfect way to honour veterans! Kudos to the people of Broken Arrow!
It is Yogi – a poppy falls for EVERY single person killed in a war so you can imagine how long it takes for them to fall. The troops stand to attention as the poppies fall and it is so poignant to see them land on the heads and shoulders of the personnel. It brings me to tears every November. We call it The Armistice Remembrance Day.
@Leedslass – of course I had to do some research and a video on Youtube that shows the dropping of the Poppy Petals and you are right everybody stands at at attention until the last petal lands. What a great tribute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvkpDWU8tqU
A great tribute for Memorial Day (and every day). That’s a lovely tradition the community has there.
Great way to honor those who served past and present! I love patriotic holidays.