Remembering

It appears that for the last 4 years I have managed to write a Memorial Day post.  And so I shall again.

@Patricia Scarborough 2013   Cemetery Road  12 x 12 oil

This old road leads to two cemeteries just a couple of miles apart, far out from town. It is home to veterans  who served in many wars around the world. 

Before you dash out to your first picnic, ball game or fishing hole, take a moment to consider how it has come to be that you have the ability – freedom if you will – to do just that.

The original Memorial Day was created to commemorate those men and women who died in our Civil War. It has since come to be a day to honor all who have died in military service.

Regardless of your political stripes, you’ve got to admit it takes tremendous fortitude to put on a uniform and serve a government with whom you may or may not agree. A bullet whizzing past your ear sounds the same whether you are Democrat or Republican, or anything in between.

You may pass a cemetery on your way to the lake, family picnic or ball tournament. As you do, consider whispering a quiet ‘thank you’ to those buried there – or anywhere, who died in the line of duty. Include their families in that gratitude, who shared their loved ones with us. For us.

Remembering

Today's post happens to fall the day before Memorial Day here in the United States.

Since I am an artist, not a political reactionary or pundit, I won’t add to the mountains of opinions, poetry and essays on the benefits/horror/patriotism/valor of serving in our nation’s military forces.



Copyright 2012 Patricia Scarborough 11 x 14 oil 

 I will simply ask you to take a moment, a few seconds even, from whatever holiday revelry you find yourself involved in.  Whisper a thank you to soldiers of conflicts past and present.

 Reflect if you will on what has been given since the early days of our nation so that we – you and I - can live our lives under a system of government that pretty much allows us the opportunity to make our own choices about how we live our lives.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Remember to Remember

Today's blog happens to fall the day before Memorial Day here in the United States.  Rather than add to the mountains of opinions, poetry and essays on the benefits/horror/patriotism/valor of conflict, I will simply ask you to take a moment to be grateful for what you have. Regardless of your political persuasion, please pause for just a short while and honor those who have given so much to make certain the rest of us can live our lives in freedom and comfort.