Today we remember.
Today we honor.
Today we thank our servicemen and women for the sacrifices they have made to keep our liberties secure.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: memorial day, military | 1 Comment »
Memorial Day 2012
Posted on May 28, 2012 by auburnchick
A Memorable Memorial Day
Posted on May 30, 2011 by auburnchick
First of all, Happy Memorial Day to all!
I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that I can live in a country in which I can blog about whatever I want (freedom of speech), acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Savior in any public or private forum I wish (freedom of religion), and pursue joy in my life in whichever [legal] manner I desire.
Although, on Memorial Day, we typically remember the loss of life that resulted from this nation’s efforts to secure freedom, this holiday has come to mean something else for me as well.
Birth.
More specifically, the birth of my sweet Rooster.
Seventeen years ago, Rooster was born.
It was Memorial Day.
Chicky spent the day at Coupon Queen and Grand Pooba’s house while the Mr., after going through Hardees’ drive-thru to pick up a couple of sausage biscuits for himself (giving birth is tough on men), drove me to the hospital after my water broke at home.
By early-afternoon, I was holding my bundle of joy.
Rooster slept six hours straight from the first night we brought him home, and he’s been a good sleeper ever since.
As a baby and toddler, he was content to sit wherever I put him and play with whatever was around him. He didn’t cause much trouble and never got into things the way that Chicky did.
After Chicky started school, Rooster and I grew especially close, and it was with many tears (mine, that is) that I sent him to kindergarten.
My day-time buddy was gone.
We’ve remained close, though. Over the years, we’ve spent many, many hours watching The History Channel together. We’ve rented countless movies and watched programs that we DVR’d. Watching TV together is “our thing.”
As Rooster has grown, he’s developed a quirky sense of humor…one that is laced with sarcasm. I’m positive that he didn’t get that from me. *cough*
Rooster has changed so much over the years…evolving from a child who was leery to try new things and branch out on his own to a young man who leads the way in his independent thinking. For example, he tried out for band after having played soccer for a number of year. That took guts.
He doesn’t do things just to fit in with the crowd. He cares not what the other kids are doing, per se.
He marches to the beat of his own drum.
One thing that has always impressed me is that he was the first of my two children who decided to attend youth group…without me having to “make” him go. Chicky followed suit a few months later. Rooster always pitches in when something needs to be done at church or at a church member’s home. He can be a hard worker and has gone on a couple of mission trips in the last few years.
He inspires me.
I think it’s fitting that I celebrate his birthday with all gusto on this, a day when we remember those who are no longer living.
They died so that future generations like myself and Rooster’s could enjoy life to the fullest.
So, Happy Memorial Day to all and a very Happy Birthday to Rooster.
I love you, Dude!
Filed under: children | Tagged: childrearing, children, memorial day | 1 Comment »
Remembering…
Posted on May 31, 2010 by auburnchick
Memorial Day.
A time for remembering and honoring those in our armed forces who have fallen in the name of freedom.
As a naturalized citizen, I am especially grateful that a country would welcome those from foreign lands, allow us to become part of its citizenry, and fight to defend us, adopted sons and and daughters.
Today, I want to share two videos.
The first is a Psalm 23 Memorial Day Tribute. Kathy Triccoli sings the 23rd Psalm.
The next video is the Dixie Chick’s song, Travelin’ Soldier.
Rooster’s English class read the book Fallen Angels. They had to do PowerPoints analyzing characters (it was an English class, after all). The teacher also had a fundraiser for the Wounded Soldier Project.
As a treat, the last day of the project, a tenth grade female student went into the classroom and sang Travelin’ Soldier while strumming her guitar.
I was subbing in the class next door, and I heard a few strains and enough words to figure out what was going on.
I was amazed, and after talking to the English teacher, the student came into fourth period to sing for my class.
It was touching to see my students sit, mouths agape.
It did not surprise me, though.
I live in an area that is home to a couple of military bases, and there are two more within two hour’s drive. The military presence is strong here.
I hope the song touches your heart as much as it does to mine every time I hear it.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: dixie chicks, memorial day, travelin soldier, tribute | 1 Comment »
Not Just a Day Off
Posted on May 25, 2009 by auburnchick
Memorial Day.
What does it mean to you?
Does it mean a three-day weekend with steaks on the barbecue? A day to do yard work or clean the house? Maybe you’re spending the extra day visiting family.
I have to admit that it’s hard not to get caught up in the joy that accompanies a day off while glossing over the reason for it. However, I found myself getting focused on the holiday last week when the classes I subbed for were assigned to watch the movie Pearl Harbor.
The students sat in rapt attention as the drama played out. Some of them had never seen the movie. And while they all knew about the historic day itself, I think that the characters really drove home some issues. Sure, they were fictional, but the personal storyline most likely occurred time and time again throughout history…
Men and women felt it their duty and honor to serve. Their lives did not stop despite being in the fight of their lives. Each person who served gave up something…loved ones, innocence, and often their very lives.
I am a naturalized citizen…a freedom made available by the selfless service of others. Many men and women alike paid the ultimate price to ensure that I would have the right to read a Bible in public and have my voice heard (however contrary it might be to public opinion)…among a myriad of other such freedoms.
A few years ago, we traveled to Arkansas for a soccer tournament. On the way, we stopped in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to do a little sightseeing.
Vicksburg is filled with history, being the site of a 47-day siege during the Civil War. We toured the Vicksburg National Military Park, which is home to a cemetery. I quietly walked around, choosing my steps carefully out of respect to those at rest, reading off some of the names of the soldiers buried there. Both Union and Confederate soldiers lie together. I found it poignant. Ultimately, this country would be united, despite the lengthy war that nearly tore it apart.
When I was a teenager, my family traveled to Washington, D.C. We did the usual “tourist” things…visited the Smithsonian, took pictures at the Lincoln Memorial, and walked the grounds of Monticello.
The most memorable part of that trip was the visit to Arlington Cemetery. We were privileged to watch the Changing of the Guard.
It was a somber ritual…one befitting those who died in service to this country.
May we never cease to honor those who carry the banner for freedom.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Arlington National Cemetery, memorial day, Vicksburg | 1 Comment »
Memorial Day Wishes
Posted on May 26, 2008 by auburnchick
May we never forget those who died fighting for our freedom.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: memorial day | 2 Comments »
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