My previous post was written on Friday morning. Today, I'm posting a revision in hopes people will understand how passionate I am about keeping the purpose of Memorial Day a day of remembrance. Several months ago, I planned a trip to TN to pay tribute to Civil War Soldiers for which Memorial Day was created. I kept my promise to honor the dead.
Dark clouds appeared over the city of Murfreesboro on the day I visited Stones River National Battlefield. I arrived tired and wet and the somber scene matched how I felt about death and war. I celebrate Memorial Day in remembrance of those that died and I keep the memory of those who served alive. But most of all, I think about the forgotten ones, the mothers, fathers, spouses, and children who never got to say goodbye.
Walking on the grounds and seeing all the tombstones epitomized the evils of war. To me, it doesn’t matter who was right and who was wrong, war is something that should never be in the first place. As I continued on my walks on sacred grounds where our soldiers battled and most had died, I thought about how lucky I am to have two legs to walk this path on earth. And just as I looked up, I saw a light. That's when I knew, for anyone who pays the ultimate price there really is a light at the end of the tunnel and knew in an instant, I had to turn back.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating soldiers who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It was originally called Decoration Day with the tradition of placing flowers on the graves of soldiers. At some point in history after World War 1, it changed to honor the memory of all men and women in America who died in any war, not just the Civil War. I often wonder why do stores advertise Memorial Day Sales and shoppers’ thirst for bargains at this time? Also, why do people complain when it rains on their Parade or family picnic? Isn’t it a time to honor those who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy?
Whenever I travel, I travel to learn, not shop - I am not a Tourist. I shop for memories sake and to stay informed. Rather than rush to stores to pick up bargains, I thirst for knowledge and that was one of the primary reasons I went to Tennessee earlier this month. I wanted to walk on the sacred grounds from those who lost their lives during the Civil War.
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