Memorial Day.

Hi There!
With Memorial Day here this weekend, it got me to thinking about the real meaning of the holiday. I mean, where I live Memorial Day for alot of folks its the big summer kick off weekend, have a picnic, do some yard work, go to the local parade. If anyone is interested in a nice summary of the real history of Memorial Day, I found this site : www.usmemorialday.org 

Memorial Day is about honoring the dead (not something unfamiliar to Voodooisants!) The fallen that have given their lives so that every day  our lives can be better ones.

There are lots of things someone can do to honor these fallen heroes. It can be as simple as going to a local cemetery and placing an American Flag on a veteran's grave. The Memorial Day Foundation
will do this for people (for a small fee) that cant get out and do it themselves. The bouquets are very nice and quite reasonable.   Going to the local VFW or American Legion ceremonies that will be happening this Monday is something else we can do to show our support.  Very often at these ceremonies, "Taps" is played.

These are the words to "Taps." Often, a shorter version, shown here in italics, is played:

Fading light dims the sight,
            And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
            From afar drawing nigh. Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
            From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
            All is well, safely rest. God is nigh.
            Then good night, peaceful night,
            Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
            God is near, do not fear. Friend, good night.

~~~~~~

So, I encourage you all to get out and do something to honor our fallen Heroes this weekend. Also, a nod to our own wonderful General Ogoun could be in order!

Thanks for reading this far! I will leave you with this prayer:

Each year we give this tribute
Out of thankfulness and love
For your loyalty and courage
Virtues that set you above.

We’ll never forget you gave your all
That others can be free
You paid the ultimate earthly price
Immortal you will ever be.

We walk the byways, streets of towns
Country lanes, through parks
At ease, at peace, possible because
Of missions upon which you embarked.

When there is no setting sun
And tides stretch out o'er all the land
No birds to fly, no songs to sing
Then we'll come and take your hand. 

For now we won't forget
An emptiness your parting left
You gave your life in freedom's call
In God’s eyes you're ever blessed.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Light and love
Sister Bridget