One Nation, Under God ...

As we celebrate this long Memorial Day weekend with picnics, barbeques, and family gatherings, let us also remember the true reason for the holiday — to reverently honor and pay our respects to those who gave their lives in service of their country, preserving and protecting the freedoms that we all enjoy today. I wish I could personally thank each and every one of them for the sacrifices they and their families made for our country. I would also like to remember with gratitude our servicemen and women who, as I write this, are risking their lives every day to keep America out of harm's way. While we should remember these heroes in our prayers every day, I hope we will all take time out this weekend, as "one Nation, under God," to proudly fly our flags, bow our heads in gratitude, and ask God to protect them as they protect us, and bless them and their families for the sacrifices they make for us. In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands, we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. Written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army Picture borrowed from the Internet, Artist Unknown