Remembering THOSE WHO GAVE ALL

Hope everyone had a safe and industrious or restful Memorial Day.

How was the day spent: cookout at home? going to the lake? gathering with family and friends? fireworks?

Were patriotic decorations scattered about the setting(s)? Was the serving ware displaying the American flag?

At any time, was a moment of silence given to those who gave all?

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

Memorial Day 2021: Facts, Meaning & Traditions – HISTORY

No pictures or words can describe this holiday as best as observed in the following images. My simple words of “THANK YOU!” to the fallen heroes and their families will never be able to fully express my deep gratitude for the sacrifice given for my freedom. I have never faced first hand what this day stands for even though I had several generations of uncles and cousins who served in wars. Remember my son and his family as he is serving our country.

I cannot listen or read the lyrics without shedding a tear for this holy ground. We will forever be grateful for your service.

The lyrics are eloquently written from a fallen soldier’s perspective.

I never thought that this is where I’d settle down,
I thought I’d die an old man back in my hometown,
They gave me this plot of land, me and some other men, for a job well done,
There’s a big white house sits on a hill just up the road,
The man inside he cried the day they brought me home,
They folded up a flag and told my mom and dad, “We’re proud of your son.”

And I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,
I’m on sacred ground and I’m in the best of company,
I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done,
I can rest in peace, I’m one of the chosen ones, I made it to Arlington

I remember daddy brought me here when I was eight,
We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay,
And when we finally found that cross,
He said, “Son, this is what it cost to keep us free.” Now here I am,
A thousand stones away from him,
He recognized me on the first day I came in,
And it gave me a chill when he clicked his heels, and saluted me.

And I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,
I’m on sacred ground and I’m in the best of company,
I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done,
I can rest in peace, I’m one of the chosen ones, I made it to Arlington

And every time I hear twenty-one guns,
I know they brought another hero home to us

We’re thankful for those thankful for the things we’ve done,
We can rest in peace, ’cause we are the chosen ones,
We made it to Arlington, yeah dust to dust,
Don’t cry for us, we made it to Arlington

Trace Adkins – Arlington Lyrics | MetroLyrics