Monday, May 31, 2010

Grateful Beyond Thanks

Memorial Day. A day to remember those who have fought and died so that we can live free. A day to reflect on the values that our country stands for. A day to appreciate and honor the men and women and their families who have sacrificed on our behalf.


My family attended a service this morning at the Houston Veterans Memorial Cemetery (where my grandparents are buried). It was long and hot, but it was also beautiful, honoring all the soldiers who have served in every branch of the military, in every war that America has fought. They had bagpipers playing "Amazing Grace", they had a cannon salute and a rifle salute, a dove release while we sang "America the Beautiful", a riderless horse, a flyover by the US Coast Guard, and a poignant song called "Here in America, In God We Still Trust". It was very moving. I teared up several times during the ceremony.

Afterward, we went to visit Ma and Pa's grave. "Perfect Partners" to the very end. I can imagine them in heaven, still in love. I miss them and love them. Today, Memorial Day, I remember the greatness of their sacrifice for our country, but I also remember the greatness of their every day. They were part of the Greatest Generation, but to me, they were just Ma and Pa, two of the greatest people I will ever know.


My grandmother's grave


My grandfather's grave
They are buried together. On Pa's headstone is engraved "perfect partners". That says it all.

No comments:

Post a Comment