Memorial Day - Thanks Veterans!

November 21, 1864 Mrs. Bixby-

Dear Madam,

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts, that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

- A. Lincoln -

Please take time out this weekend to remember and give thanks for the veterans who have fought to protect our way of life.

Antler… that means a lot.  My dad still has a tough time on Memorial Day… 

God bless all the Gold Star Families for the sacrifices their loved ones made.

As far as the title:
Thank you Veterans Groups who sponsor most of the Memorial Day Services and built the Memorial Parks!
VFW American Legion and AMVETS.

My grandchildren attended for the first time.  Grandson asked my about the 21 Gun Salute.  If asked here is a good reference.
https://history.army.mil/faq/salute.html
Forgot to add:  New London HS band sounded very good.  

This title is misleading.  Memorial day isn't a day to honor veterans.  It's a day to remember and honor those that have fallen and made the ultimate sacrifice.   

Deleted, after careful thinking...

GOD BLESS THE USA and our veterans, and service members!  All gave some and some gave all.......

For decades I struggled to find meaning in my uncle Donald’s  ultimate sacrifice.  He was killed in Vietnam in 1968.  It seemed to be in vain, but I didn’t want to believe that.  Maybe I’m reaching or wishing to find some peace.  Maybe I’m on to something.  But, my co-worker and great friend’s oldest son recently married an absolutely delightful woman.  Her family is from Vietnam.  Without the efforts to keep the oppressive evil communist North Vietnamese from destroying the South Vietnamese at will, her family likely would have been murdered 50 years ago and she would not even exist.  They are expecting a child this fall.  All babies are special and deserve a chance to be loved.  This child though?  I will undoubtedly weep tears of joy when I hold her for the first time.  Uncle Don did NOT die in vain.  His life and sacrifice meant something.  Memorial Day is an important and meaningful national holiday.  But, growing up in a Gold Star family, I can’t help but believe it has always meant more to us.  In the late 90’s I took my grandmother on a quest to visit D.C. with the main purpose to visit The Wall.  I can still to this day hear in my head the gasp she expressed the moment she put her hand on the engraved name of her fallen son, Donald.  May he rest in peace.

Thank you veterans for all you did for our country.

Not just a day off work. Everyone should take time to think about all the service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice for your freedoms.

A huge Thank You to all of those that payed the ultimate sacrifice for their Country

...giving thanks to our fallen heroes for their sacrifice and honor... and to all our vets as well for their service and honor 

Best wishes ?for All veterans 

Thank you veterans

Thank you Men and Women who have served especially those who have died in service. 

Don't forget too attend your local Memorial Day Service today.

New London at 1000 Taft Park.