Small town America. Summertime. Doesn't get any better than that. Starting with Memorial Day......
Peonies were in bloom, and a profusion filled our yard. Their lush heads generous with layer after layer of beauty and grace. From the palest of pink to the deepest of fuchsia, the glorious shades and hues decorating the end of May. The fragrance was fraught with the promise of that same beauty and grace being infused into our own lives, romanticizing the summer that lay ahead.
Our town honored the selfless sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for our country, and ultimately....us with a parade. The route started on my street and ended cross-town at the cemetery with a touching service.
I was a majorette in the band. I loved the Memorial Day parade. Creak. Slam. Bang. I was in parade formation. No having to drive to the school. No having to get on the school bus and be transported. No down time. No waiting around.
The parade route was festive with the American flag proudly displayed and waved, and lots of fun as familiar faces lined the streets reveling in the excitement of a marching band's beat and energy. Friends, family and neighbors yelling my name made it even sweeter.
The destination, however, was sobering. Solemn, as we entered the cemetery. Remembering....what the parade was about. Too many lives, cut short, in order for us to have lives lived long....lives blanketed in the peace of freedom and boundless in the joy of liberty. Prayers and tributes commemorating their ultimate selflessness were rendered...lest we forget:
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE, FALLEN SOLDIERS. WE REMEMBER AND ARE SO VERY APPRECIATIVE!
I marched those two miles gladly, and the peonies were happy to make the trip to the cemetery as well.....for we always adorned the family grave sites on Memorial Day with the lavish blossoms, in honor of the lavish love they gave by serving our country ~ John Isaac Reeser and John Hunter Reeser....we have not forgotten.
That sounds a wonderful day, and how lovely to have such beautiful flowers in bloom.
ReplyDeletehey...come on over to my blog..you were one of the winners..
ReplyDeletedeby
Enjoyed reading your blog. I read a comment you made on another bloggers blog about a book. You would probably enjoy reading "The Last Girl", it's about traveling girls also. becky
ReplyDeleteHi Becky,
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to meet you. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your very kind comments.
You have a lovely little spot here. I really enjoyed your post. It was very moving. As a little aside: I was a twirler when I was in high school and marched in many a Memorial Day Parade.
I like what you said about prayer. I am always so thankful that Jesus is my advocate as I pray. I know He is praying with me. And those times my heart is too broken to even know how to pray, I know the Spirit prays for me.
I believe in intercessory prayer. I am always so blessed when others are praying on my behalf. I love to pray for others too.
I'm so glad you came to visit.
How did I miss this wonderful post? Beautifully written! With my crazy/busy schedule I'm afraid I've missed out on quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteBecky, thank you soooo much for your beautiful prayer for Beth and I. You'll never know just how much it means to me. I believe in the power of prayer. Thank you sweet friend.
Hugs!
Kat
Becky
ReplyDeleteI don't have your e-mail address, so I'm using this comment to write to thank you so much for your very sweet and supportive comment today! Life has been a bit draining lately, but with God's help I'll keep moving forward.
Thanks for your friendship.
Hugs!
Kat