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| The Trail at Minute Man National Park |
Memorial Day
is for every soldier in every conflict. It’s about more than parades, red
poppies and barbeques. Memorial Day
honors sacrifice. So visiting the Minute Man National Park in Lexington-Concord
Massachusetts has special meaning.
The shot heard around the world happened in a
tiny village where a handful of men gave to the 350 million Americans alive
today their freedom.
As I followed their path, my heart was in my throat. We
don’t appreciate the struggle they endured. They lost their farms and
businesses, their men died. Their families went hungry while they fought.
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| Rebuilt bridge |
The area is
charming with a few period houses still open. The park has two visitors’
centers and interpretive guides dressed in period attire. The path followed by
those resolute men goes for miles. I’m going back with my younger
grandchildren. I want them to know where they got their freedom.
Would you be
willing to sacrifice so much? I hope I would.
I came from
a family that fought. My Father’s and Mother’s brothers (seven in total) all
went overseas in World War Two. They marched through France and Italy, North
Africa, Japan and the Pacific Islands. They serve on ships. My Father built ships at the Brooklyn Navy
Yards. My Aunt Edna was a riveter putting airplane wings together.
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| Interpretive guide |
My daughter
and her husband served in the United States Army. Two of my sons and a
daughter-in-law served in the United States Navy. My grandson and granddaughter
are in the Navy with number three in the early enlistment program for next
September.
I am the
grandchild of emigrants. My family appreciates the freedoms here. They escaped
the religious suppression, forced military service and virtual slavery of a
serf type life.
I love this country.
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| Minute Man Statue at the Park, with my husband Bill |
My husband’s
family has been here since the 1600s. One of his ancestors joined the
minutemen. A company of armed men journeyed overland from New Haven,
Connecticut to Lexington in two days, an incredible feat. My eyes fill with
tears as I picture their hardships. It was all for my family and me. And yours
Take the
time to visit The Minute Man National Park. Walk where those patriots marched and died. Listen to the
lectures and learn why you enjoy the freedom you do.
Salute the
flag and stand during the National Anthem.
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| Barbara Edwards at monument |
Put flowers on the grave of a
soldier on Memorial Day.
Say “Thank You” to our military.
And register
to vote.
Use the greatest privilege they sacrificed for: Vote for a free and
responsible government.
Visit my website: https://www.barbaraedwards.net
