Remembering.....

Somehow Memorial Day weekend always feels like the real ending of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Perhaps this is because it is so close to the end of the school year or perhaps because the weather seems to get a little nicer about this time. I don't know exactly why, but it feels that way every year. I love that I get a 3 day weekend and that my boys have one too. And, I love what Memorial Day really celebrates. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father created us with minds that hold memories and that we can thus recreate so much history.
One of my favorite memories of growing up in truly "small town" America is the Memorial Day parade that takes place every year in Ferndale. I still remember watching the parade each year of my childhood and placing flowers on the "grave of the unknown soldier" each year. And now my own children get to do the same. A very special part of my memories of the parade have everything to do with the fact that my grandpa was a part of the parade for as many years as I can remember. He proudly walked in the parade with the VFW for years, and then as he grew older, he rode on the VFW float. My grandpa was always proud to don his army hat and show his patriotism. He was truly Proud to be an American and I am grateful for his example. For years, my grandfather put his flag out every morning and then he would carefully bring it in at night. Aidan loved to be there to help Papa put the flag out or bring it in.
This year we will be going to watch the parade, having missed it last year since we lived in Utah. (Instead we went camping in Southern Utah, where it was much colder than expected.) My boys will all take flowers with them, probably from Mimi's yard. It will be hard not to see Papa sitting on the VFW float, and I will probably cry. But, I am so grateful to live in a place where I am free to watch a parade that truly honors and remembers those who have fought for me, and you, to have such freedoms.
So, in honor of all who have fought and all who continue to fight for our freedom....check out this cool video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0mm4u2VzDs

Enjoy your holiday and remember to enjoy your freedoms always!