Dear Honey Run Friends,
Today was the perfect spring day with warm temperatures and sunshine in the morning, followed by heavy downpours in the afternoon. As it was raining and I had some free time, I fired up the trusty television and looked for something interesting to watch. I found a documentary called Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery. I wasn’t 10 minutes into the documentary when the tears started to roll almost as heavy as the rain outside.
I pride myself for facing adversities in life and overcoming them, but the stories of our fallen soldiers humbled me dead in my tracks. I have never served in our military. I will never know the challenges that our military face, nor will I know the sacrifice that so many have given by losing their life so that I may have my piece of the American dream. As I was listening to the parents, spouses, children, and friends talk about their special soldier with the rows of tombstones in the background, all I could think about was how much we average Americans take this sacrifice for granted.
In just a couple weeks we will celebrate Memorial Day. This holiday began in 1868 by proclamation by General John Logan for the purpose of decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country. Here is a link to learn more about the origins of this day of remembrance. http://www.usmemorialday.org/?page_id=2
While learning more about Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery, I learned that this is the section where our current soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan are being laid to rest. Regardless of your political beliefs, we all can rally behind our military personnel and families, and it is my sincerest prayer that all of you find some time on Memorial Day this year to set down the barbecue food for an hour and travel to your local cemetery to find a soldier’s grave. Thank them for their service; pray for their family, and thank God you are alive at this moment in history and that you are an American.
Here is Taps being played at Arlington National Cemetery and the poetic and soul inspiring lyrics for you to read on Memorial Day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.
Thanks and praise, for our days,
‘Neath the sun, ‘neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.
Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.
While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.
Your saluting Innkeeper,
Jason
Wonderful reminder. Thank you.
Beautiful Jason. Thanks
Thank you for your thoughts…My grandfather died on Memorial Day 1958 when I was just two years old, he was awarded both the silver star and purple heart in WWI. (worldwar1centennial.org) and( http://www.TheirOwnmemorial.org)please log on to find out more about the effort to honor those who fought and many who died to protect our freedoms.
My father was the youngest of three sons who all were involved in WWII, he will be 91 this summer and soon those who can truly share their memories of the events will all be gone. Please DO take time to thank a veteran and their families at the very least stop and THINK about the reason for the DAY! God Bless America and thank you for your words….Diane
i have not lost a loved one in the military, but i am very grateful for soldiers that are willing to lay down their lives for our nation. thank you for your beautiful words, Jason. May we always honor our armed forces and pray for their safety and protection.
Thank you for your inspiring message. My husband and I are always mindful of the sacrifices that these courageous soldiers and their families make to keep this country safe. That is why we support the various veterans organizations. We need the VA to step up and give these courageous soldiers the services that they need in a more timely manner. They should be treated like kings and queens!
Thanks. Been to Arlington on numerous occasions. All Americans need to make this a journey. Visit some graves and watch the changing of the Guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. We have stayed at the Inn on many occasions as well. Mostly, when you gave some preference to us vets. I served for 24 years and proud of my fellow brothers. Thanks again, hope to see you one day!
Thank you~
We appreciated your thoughtful message Jason & seeing the words to Taps in print. My dad was a veteran in the Navy in WWII & my husband in the Marines during the Vietnam war. We’ve enjoyed staying at the Inn & your veterans’ recognitions.
Jason
We are guests at the Inn this Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reminding us of how we should remember those who served for our freedom. God Bless America!!!!
Dianne