May 28th In Honor Of Memorial Day

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil Was soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Rpublic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of may, 1868, is designated fo rhte purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decoratin the graves of corades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

By the late 1800's many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and , after World War 1, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celabrated each year on November 11.)

On this day, we should put aside our diffences about war and honor those people who have taken up the mantle to serve in the armed forces and died in that service. They are doing and have done things that most of us really don't have the guts to do, even if we were pushed into a corner.

We owe these people much. Take a moment this day from your BBQ, your car race, your camping trip, or any other thing you do on a three day weekend and remember.

If you can, take some time to educate yourself of the sacrifices our men and women in service have given in war that allows you to be able to travel freely across this land, to be able to speak your opinion for or against any thing in this land. To worship without fear of being arrested or worse yet, hacked to pieces because of your beliefs.

I honor all those who have given there lives in service to this countries and other countries so people everywhere can have a chance to have the freedoms that we as Americans tend to take for granted. THANK-YOU!!

Just some thoughts before bed time.

I knew this blogging thing would be a little difficult to get started. Finding the time to write, having something to write about, and thinking seriously about the things I feel "safe" sharing with the world at large as well as the few friends that know about this little piece of the web world I have called a home.

Lots have happened since I last made an effort to speak. Went to visit some friends down in Arkansas. Had a really good time. Note: EVERYONE should experience a Brazilian style steak house at least once in there lifetime. SERIOUSLY!! Words cannot convey the carnal pleasure of having hunks of meat brought to your table on swords and carved right on to your plate. Yum. The bad news came later when we got back home and found out our friend didn't get the job he had for the last college year on a permanent basic. Sorry, that didn't make much sense, but it's late and I'm not going to fix it right now.

The Monday before we left on this trip, my best friend once again had his wife kind of flip out on him. Hated leaving and not being able to be there for support, but he has some other friends that have been and still are there for him. He is out of the house, staying with a friend, and hopefully he will take the steps he needs to to get out of this destructive marriage he is in.

Oh, the friend who lost his position in Arkansas? He had and interview at Cornell college in Mt. Vernon and got an offer right away. Up yours Razorbacks. We hates them. We hates them forever. Well maybe that is a little too strong. ;-)

Get this! I'm going to be delivering a sermon at my church on the 27th of May. Yes, that is this Sunday. According to the church schedule, it is Pentecost Sunday. That is when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus' disciples. See Acts 2 for more details. Not only will I be delivering it at one service, but two services. I know what I will be talking about, just need to sit down and get it organized so I don't ramble on and bore the congregation to death.

Well, that's it for right now. I don't know if anyone else will be reading this, but here it is, out here to share with the world. Maybe I'll comment at a later date about my favorite shows: Greys Anatomy or Heroes. Or about my excitement and anticipation for the final Harry Potter book. We shall see. Till then, Good Night.