" For love of country, they accepted death" - James A. Garfield

Paraphrasing the inspirational words of Mr. Rauschenbach, before you cannonball into the pool, or squirt ketchup on your hotdog, remember what today is all about. It's about the valiant, self-less men and women who gave their lives for our country. (pssst. If you take a look at the most recent issue of TIME magazine, you'll find six heart-wrenching, beautiful examples of men who gave their lives days ago while on duty in Iraq.) Previously called Decoration Day, named for the decorating of graves on this day, Memorial Day is a fitting and well-deserved commemoration of those who gave their lives in service. It was officially proclaimed on May 5 1868 by General John Logan (commander of the Grand Army of the Republic) and it was first observed on May 30 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington Cemetery. In 1873, we were the first state to recognize the holiday. In time, the rest of the nothern states observed the holiday, though it took the south longer. It is now typically celebrated with a parade and various other celebrations, (barbeques, fireworks etc.) though few take the time to give thanks and reflect on the bravery and soul of our men and women in service, those that are now veterans, and those that gave their lives. So take a minute or two to reflect, say a prayer and remember.

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.

This poem ( which was later set to music) commemorating the deceased soldiers was written by John McCrae in 1915. From this poem, Moina Michael, in 1915, came up with the idea to wear poppies on Memorial Day. This is still tradition today.
And I will leave you with that. Happy Memorial Day!