Monday, May 31, 2021

Decoration Day

 I grew up hearing Memorial Day called Decoration Day.  It was to honor those who never came home from the Wars. 


My Paternal Grandmother is a Gold Star Mother, her son Arthur was killed May 20 1944 he never came home, he is buried in Italy.



Far Side


27 comments:

Lea said...

A day to stop and remember and be thankful for our soldiers.
Have a blessed day!

aurora said...

I have never heard Memorial Day called Decoration Day, interesting.

Martha said...

Honoring and remembering today!

Val Ewing said...

We rarely do anything on this day.

DJan said...

I wish peace to all who suffered through wars, the soldiers as well as the families left behind. We will never forget.

The Feminine Energy said...

Happy Memorial Day, Connie, and may Arthur rest in peace. ~Andrea xoxo

Betsy said...

We also called it Decoration Day. I plan to visit my parents and father-in-laws graves today. We live about 3 blocks from the cemetery that most of our relatives and friends are buried in. Our spot awaits us there too.
So many never came home. May we always remember those who gave all, and their families as well.
Blessings,
Betsy

Dawn said...

I remember it being Deocoration Day too. I'm very sorry about your Uncle. I don't have any family member (that I know of) lost in war, but I can imagine how traumatic that is to a family.

Maebeme said...

In Canada, our Memorial Day is Remembrance Day and is held in November. As I've been researching the family history, I've found far too many who did not return. The youngest was just 14 when he died in France, mere months after his father died in Belgium in WWI.

Two of my uncles fought in WWII but fortunately both returned home. One with tuberculosis, the other affected by gassing. We all owe those who fought a debt of gratitude for their service and honor of their countries.

Pauline Persing said...

I remember my parents calling today, Decoration Day.

Rita said...

I remember hearing it called Decoration Day, too. (Also grew up in Minnesota.)
A day for rememberances.

Miss Merry said...

It is a very solemn day. Our local genealogy had a share day and a neice had researched all the records for an uncle who died in Italy. The details were horrific, but what I remember most is how this loss affected their family even now.

Ed said...

We just got back from paying our respects at the grave of my grandfather who served in the Army in Africa during World War II. However the grave that I would most like to visit today is over a day's drive away. It is that of my Uncle who sailed aboard battleships in the Pacific during the same war and whose stories filled my childhood and who military possessions I have inherited through my mom.

Sara said...

I also remember folks calling it Decoration Day. My little Minnesota town always had a Memorial Day parade and program. And I remember as a Girl Scout helping to put the flags out on the graves. My girls both did that too here in SD - with their paternal grandmother who was a very active Legion Auxiliary member. The cemetery always looked so pretty with the flags fluttering in the breeze.

L. D. said...

Great flags display.

Gemma's person said...

God Bless America!

Linda Reeder said...

Yes, Decoration Day was to honor the war dead. Now er decorate everyone who has passed on. Or we just go have a picnic on the beach.
I am doing neither today, but I am remembering.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

It is a day to remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect this nation. To simply say we are thankful will never be enough — we are forever indebted to the men and women like your Grandmother's son.

www.self-sufficientsam.blogspot.com said...

So that was your father's brother? When you think of the number of lives lost it breaks your heart.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

So many gave their lives for their country

Bonnie said...

I remember my Grandmother called it Decoration Day. My Dad and all of my uncles fought in WWII. One of my uncles never came home. His plane went down in the English Channel and was never found. He was very young and never had a chance at life.

Terry and Linda said...

I grew up with Decoration Day. And the Veteran's always sold poppies. This year no one sold poppies. Said people didn't want to donate for a poppies anymore. How Sad our would has become.

Galla Creek said...

So many gave all.

diane in northern wis said...

God Bless your grandmother and her son, Arthur. I hope they're together once again, now.

diane in northern wis said...

How sad. People are still buying poppies here in Wisconsin.

Jacqi Stevens said...

When I think of all the flags flying at the cemeteries this weekend, I always think of you and Far Guy and all you've done.

Dawn P. said...

My hubs Uncle was killed in WWII (84th Chemical Battalion) 10/9/1944 and buried at the national cemetery in Florence, Italy. His Dad had 8 brothers, and all served in the military, and most in WWII, with my FIL serving in Korean war (and he was one of the Chosin Frozen USMC).