Valour

                                                                          

It’s Memorial Day here in the US, and as the daughter of a Marine and friend of some deployed military folks, it’s a day to pause, give thanks, and remember.   That’s my personal favorite way to see Old Glory fly, hoisted between two different fire trucks’ raised ladders.  That grand old flag was gifted to Charlottesville Fire Department, and it flew on a carrier that was deployed in the Middle East. 

I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day.  I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it.  We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.  ~Benjamin Harrison

Freedom isn’t free, and I send up a special prayer for those serving today.  In my mind, that includes not just the men and women in the military, but their families who carry on without them here at home.  I’ll be raising a glass at my father’s photo, at Pop’s and at Dae’s later this evening, and we’re certainly enjoying the day off from work!

Any special plans for you today?

Edited to add – The fur-girls did their own post for Memorial Day.