Please excuse me for
veering from the usual book format post, but today is Memorial Day. A day to
honor the brave soldiers who stood on the line so that we may sleep in peace at
night and paid the ultimate price. While I am lucky enough not to have lost loved ones in battle, so many
have. All around us are families who grieve for those who have given all for
our freedom. Then there are the vets who forever mourn the loss of their brothers and sisters
in arms, warriors who served our country with honor and distinction. As we
gather along parade routes or at back yard BBQs surrounded by family, let us reflect
on the immense sacrifices behind today’s celebrations.
This essay from a 3rd
grader says it perfectly.
As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and
the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats, Uncle Sam whispers in my ear
about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died.
Swimming pools open, BBQs fry. Today is the day to think of what they have done
for us. There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and
flags are lowered at half-mast. But we should always remember and never forget
what set us free, from this very day on.
© 2001 Ali M., 3rd Grader, Academy Elementary
School, Madison, Connecticut.
