Beyond The Picnics
Don’t forget the reason we celebrate Memorial Day! That’s the message dear readers our neighbors in Shady Pines Story Town want you to remember this weekend.
For many of the folks who live in our close knit community, this date on the calendar means more than just the unoficial start to Summer.
Because we do have Summer on the mind now, there will be outdoor gatherings, parades and lots of people heading out on vacations of course. And, let’s face it, there’s nothing like a good barbeque.
But as we gather with friends and loved ones it’s important to remember why this date is a national holiday.
Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave men and women who served in our United State military and gave their lives in the line of duty. 
They fought and died to make sure we have the freedoms we do.
Those rights and freedoms are sacred and cannot be taken for granted.
That’s why this day is different from Veteran’s Day. On that day, we pay tribute not just to the fallen, but to all who have served.
Each year soldiers place American flags on the graves of the fallen soldiers in honor of their service.
Close To Home
Maybe someone in your family or someone you know has given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Why our very own mayor, Beauregard P. Fibbs has a story to tell.
“My uncle served in the Marines. He was in another country when his unit came under attack. My aunt told me his men remembered that my uncle Charles was brave when the fighting started. He rescued five other men before he was shot and went down. I still remember him as one of the kindest people I have ever known.”
Young Kids Know
Our very own seven-year-old Ray Robinson is aware of the meaning behind Memorial Day. His father is serving overseas. He’s been away from Ray and his mom for eight months. Even though his dad writes him letters and tries to face time him when he can, it’s not the same as him being home.
Ray worries that there may be a time when his dad doesn’t come back.
He realizes how lucky he is right now to have a father. And he has a mom and a community that loves and cares about him.
Kindness matter. It matters a lot.
So what can you and your loved ones do to mark this important holiday weekend?
Sing a few patriotic songs
Why not teach your children America the Beautiful, the National Anthem or say the Pledge of Allegiance, and talk about the meaning behind each one.
Remind your kids to stand and place their hands over their hearts during these songs. This is a perfect way to show them the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by those in our military to protect our nation’s freedom.
Observe a Memorial Day Tradition
Our nation’s flag is flown at half staff until noon to remember America’s fallen soldiers. Just after noon it is raised to full staff as a symbol to show hope beyond death and to honor the heroes that are still with us. Did you know that?
Take a Moment for Silence
Here’s something else I just found out. in 2000, Congress passed “The National Moment of Rememberance.” It asks that “Americans voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of rememberance and respect.”
The idea is for you to stop whatever you’re doing and bow your head for a moment of silent remembering.
One Last Thing
Try this. You can listen to the playing of
“Taps. It’s all done at 3PM local time as a symbol of 
national unity.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PLAYING OF TAPS
From all of us in Shady Pines Story Town we wish you and your loved ones a safe, enjoyable and meaningful Memorial Day weekend!
Wonderful and insightful read. Thank you for your reminder of why we celebrate this day!
Glady you liked it Candy!
I did not know that about the flag at half staff till noon, and then being raised in hope! Thanks for educating us as you always do.
I remember my father-in-law’s service at Arlington Cemetery with the playing of Taps. So mournful and beautiful.
Thankyou Sheri. I’m glad you found some interesting new information!
What a wonderful reminder that while we celebrate with barbecues and gatherings, we should also take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day……honoring those who have given their lives in service of the country.
Thank you Tammy
Thank you for the info about lowering and raising the flag on Memorial Day. Your stories are always very informative. I’m passing this along to my granddaughter and grandson for them to teach their children. Both fathers are either still in the military or recently honorably discharged after his time was served.
Oh that’s so good to hear Barbara that you have a practical way to apply this info to your family members. Thank you for letting me know!
I never knew the significance of lowering & raising the flag until your post. Thank you for always enlightening us !
You’re so welcome Teresa!
Thanks for the new information I learned about Memorial Day – such as the flags flying at half staff until noon.
It is important to distinguish that while Veterans Day is the day to honor all that have served, Memorial Day is specifically to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend our freedom. We need to be mindful that all who serve(d) in any branch of the military deserve our respect and appreciation.
Thank you Nancy. Really appreciate those observations
These Shady Pines posts always make me feel better. Happy Memorial Day!
Good wake up call about the real meaning of Memorial Day
Thank you, once again, for a wonderful update. Always good to pause and be thankful.
It is isn’t it? Thank you Amy!
I sent this to my nephew. He has two young sons. Good information
I appreciate that Jim!
Thank you Shady Pines for focusing our attention on the important reason we celebrate this holiday
You’re so welcome!
I enjoyed your Memorial Day chapter. I love that you included the info about flags in the veteran cemeterys.
Thank you Stephanie!
Beautiful …..so beautifully done!
A perfect non political tribute to all Americans who fought to give time and lives to give us FREEDOM
Thank you
Thank you for pointing that out Jane!
This was a very heartfelt reminder to all of us to never take our freedom for granted.
Excellent piece.
Thank you !!!
I’m glad you liked it Frank!
Wonderful reminder of the importance of Memorial Day. Thank you
I appreciate your comment Elaine!
As always an excellent and informative post! I was unaware of the lowering and raising of the flag – what a special symbol
As always an excellent and informative post!
Thank you Joanne!
I never knew the meaning behind the raising of the flag after being at half staff. This was really good
Maybe it’s because I come from a military family but this really got to me. Well done Shady Pines