Memorial Day -- more than the reason for a barbeque

I don't know how you are, but Memorial Day has always meant:

• end of school year
• beginning of summer
• time to hit the stores for summer sales
  
• a reason to have a barbeque

But, Memorial Day really SHOULD be much more than this. It's supposed to be the day to remember those who have fought for our country -- something that is even more important today as we wage war against terrorism.

Whether or not you agree with war, or our country's part in various wars throughout history, I believe you should still honor those who died in the service of their country. These men and women were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers ... these men and women fought in our stead ... these men and women died for us.

A lovely way to remember the courage and sacrifice of these folks was articulated quite well. A woman named Brenda Hyde runs a beautiful site called Old Fashioned Living: Bringing Together the Generations. You can sign up for a free, daily eletter. Today's had the wonderful ideas for celebrating Memorial Day.

I particularly liked the following suggestion:

I also have another activity/discussion that you can have this
weekend with your children or grandchildren. Discuss the
concept of courage. What is it? Who can be courageous? Is
it just the people we read about that do grand lifesaving acts?
Or is it the soldier who does their duty to their country despite
doubts and fears? Is it that we work through fears to keep on
going even in difficult times? Each member of the family can
name of person they think of as courageous and why.

These quotes should give you some ideas:

Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act
anyway. ~Robert Anthony

Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when
scared half to death. ~General Omar Bradley

One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born
with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any
other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true,
merciful, generous, or honest. ~Maya Angelou

I feel Memorial Day is a day to set aside our political differences.
It's a day to remember the men and women throughout history
that have had the courage to face circumstances most of us
cannot imagine

MORE: The words to "In Flanders Fields" for more discussion:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/holidays/flandersfield.html

Pretty cool, huh?