By Robert Emslie
Originally called decoration day, the last Monday in May was set aside here in the U.S. to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who lost their lives in the American Civil War. Now called Memorial Day, and designated the official start of summer and white shoe and belt season, I think the real meaning of the day sometimes gets lost in the barbecue and beer that has become the day’s de facto signature.
This Norman Rockwell painting of a small town garage mechanic who stood up to serve his country a boy, and returned a man is – in my mind – one of the most powerful images of what this day truly means. Even if you don’t live in the U.S., I think it possesses an emotion that we all can share. If you happen to run into a serviceman or servicewoman today or any day, please don’t forget to offer thanks for the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe.
Image: Historythroughphotos
Jeff Glucker
Norman Rockwell is one of America's greatest chroniclers of life.
Happy Memorial Day!
<img src="http://blu.stb.s-msn.com/i/37/608EB42336C3EFE3A9214CF2CA03A_h316_w628_m5_cOEHzHByH.jpg"width="500"/>
Great picture.
Dr. Frank Powell Leathers 1924-2012. Us 2nd Army WW 2. Battle of the Bulge, Nuremberg trials. Miss you Poppee.
My dad spoke at a Memorial Day service earlier today about his namesake uncle, who served in WWII. Out of 9 brothers who saw combat while in the various services, my great-uncle was the only one killed.
Most of us must be within a generation or two at most of relatives lost in service of country. That's probably unfortunately true for residents of every country on the planet.
[youtube VV3q4klpYJE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV3q4klpYJE youtube]