What Does Memorial Day Really Mean?

[dswigle]

I went to Arlington National Cemetery this morning. It is open only to family pass holders during the Memorial Day weekend. While some states begin to reopen, an executive order delayed parts of Northern Virginia’s reopening until May 29. Arlington National Cemetery was included in the order, but, made an exception for those that are family pass holders. You only get a pass when you have lost someone and they are buried there. You must have a face mask and a valid family pass to enter.

Old Guard 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment soldier attached to the Caisson Platoon

The Caisson

What is the significance of a caisson burial?

The greatest honor of being able to ride funerals at Arlington National Cemetery is being able to provide closure to family members and to be able the offer that last measure of respect that the United States Army and our sister services can give.

A funeral caisson [pronounced kay-sen or kay-sahn] is a two-wheel, horse-drawn cart or wagon originally that was used to transport ammunition during military battles and, when necessary, to transport the wounded or dead from the battlefield. (The limber is attached to the horses, and the caisson is attached to the limber.) source

I salute you, my soldier. May you rest in peace. Rest in peace.

Happy Memorial Day! Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime

The Caisson with flag draped casket

"Being able to provide closure to family members as their loved one is laid to rest here at Arlington -- to be able to be a part of that, and to be able to offer the last measure of respect that the U.S. Army and our sister services can give to her departed heroes."

The ultimate sign of respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Paying homage to those who died while serving - or from injuries sustained while serving. May they rest in peace. Rest in peace. — at Arlington National Cemetery.

Honoring our Soldiers

I cannot even begin to tell you how many times, how many, many times I walk this path in my life. Stopping and listening to the sound of silence. My heart is shattered from the lives lost and over time, has grown big again, knowing that most, if not all, would do it all over again. For me. For you.

The very last Rolling Thunder for Washington, DC - May 2019

Rolling Thunder. This was last year, as all came together to pay tribute to the servicemen and women. Thousands of bikers rolled through the city on their motorcycles to show respect and say thank you to all of those who have served the country. Sadly, last year was the end of a 31-year old tradition as The Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom rode through Washington, DC for the last time. It was started as a peaceful demonstration to advocate for prisoners of war and those who are missing in action. Last year, there were over 500,000 bikes. I cheered them on! How could you not? It cost over $200,000 to stage in 2018. Rising costs and harassment from the Pentagon and Washington, DC have led to the decision of making it their last ride. At the time, the Pentagon said it was prepared to support the 2019 ride, but referred inquiries about the status of the 2020 ride to Rolling Thunder. — at Arlington Memorial Bridge.

Honoring prisoners of war and servicemembers missing in action.

Rolling Thunder events always began on Friday at 5 p.m. with a “Blessing of the Bikes” at the Washington National Cathedral. At 9 p.m. there was a candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Pictures were never taken by me... it would have been almost sacrilegious at that point. It was a raw show of emotions, all these years later. I can relate. Time softens, but, doesn't take it away.

As of May 22, 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, US Military, and Civilian personnel still unaccounted for number 1,587. This was the whole point of Rolling Thunder

Vietnam Memorial Wall

Each year on Memorial Day, there are literally thousands of veterans and their families that join their hearts as they come to The Wall to remember and to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Today, that wasn't the case.

"Even though traditional Memorial Day ceremonies and events on the National Mall will not take place this year due to the ongoing safeguards against the coronavirus pandemic, the National Park Service and its partners at the various veterans’ and service memorials will still honor those who gave their lives in defense of the country through virtual and online programming."

“Memorial Day is a time we normally gather at the memorials to lay a wreath in honor of the fallen, remember their heroic deeds, and draw inspiration from their sacrifice,” said Jeff Reinbold, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks. “While we may not be able to gather together in the manner in which we are accustomed, we will still ensure those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our country are appropriately honored and remembered on Memorial Day.”

Note left at the Vietnam Memorial Wall

A few years ago, I picked this up from a mass of letters and cards written and left. I have no words for these personal expressions of gratitude. God Bless You, Harry. May you Rest in Peace. It is a sobering sight, yet somewhat inspiring to know that so many fought to protect their country and its freedoms. — at Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

It was many years back that I came upon this memorial for the first time, this wall of strangers. I return to the wall, time and time again, and quietly look over the 58,209 names inscribed. There is so much gratitude on my part, for their many sacrifices, for their enormous losses, for the chance to see, firsthand, in fact, the cost of war…. To count these names, not by the thousands that were up there, but to recognize them one by one by one. Who were these men? No longer strangers to me, for now, they are connected with a name… a person who went to high school, had a crush, had a wedding, maybe even a child. They lived, they loved, and they dreamed of a dream. My heart goes out to the ones left behind and there is a much better understanding on my part of why so many tears had been shed against these black marble slabs.

The Wall has the names inscribed by the day of casualty. Beginning at the center/apex, the names start on the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way out to the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and working their way back into the center/apex, joining the beginning and end of the conflict at the center. This according to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

There have been people added to the wall, having sustained wounds in Vietnam from which they eventually perished. A decision is made regarding the circumstances of their death and their name is added. Service members who were repatriated the year prior have their status symbols changed.

A genuine moment from the heart: “A salute to my hero.” True love has no real end.

And just like that, this day is over. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, have a Happy Memorial Day, and please, drink and drive responsibly. God Bless America. Unless you are on lockdown. Then just celebrate in place.

https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmVzLUeBxZssEDCFJMoA5pkypqNkT7dDa2pFPDjrBSoDdm

Happy Memorial Day!

¸.•´¸.•♥*¨)
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•´ ♥

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

May there always be that sense of wonder
Initiating the simple ballet
Being true to yourself
And dance.

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---

Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Because of you, I come back to post, again and again. And never forget, kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.

they set my aunts house on fire
i cried the way women on tv do
folding at the middle
like a five pound note.
i called the boy who use to love me
tried to ‘okay’ my voice
i said hello
he said warsan, what’s wrong, what’s happened?

i’ve been praying,
and these are what my prayers look like;
dear god
i come from two countries
one is thirsty
the other is on fire
both need water.

later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered,
"where does it hurt?"
it answered,

"everywhere"
"everywhere"
"everywhere"

warsan shire

#TeamUSA is a growing community of quality-content people from the United States or those living here. Check us out on Discord!

Comments

[old-guy-photos]

Hopefully the high cost of war is never taken lightly or forgotten entirely.

[dswigle]

I can only hope you are right.

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[sheikh27]

Memorial day is honoring of the soldiers who is hero and sacrifice their life for the service of country on behalf of whole nation. This is typically different than any others and they alwalys remembered in people's heart. Happy memorial day.

[dswigle]

Thank you so much. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and thank you for stopping by and saying hello. Have a great week ahead!

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[bluemoon]

Thank you for explaining the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Anyone who thinks a little can understand the difference, but I haven't thought about it yet.
The American cult is impressive for the army and its soldiers. And for veterans (I think there are nuances here, I'm only talking now about the information I took from the movies) ... according to those movies many veterans from Vietnam and Iraq were less supported. Movies like "Coming Home" or "Born on the Fourth of July" and even "The Deer Hunter." This is probably an exception.
Your blog is inspirational and the story certainly has many references to your family.
Excellent photo with the woman and the girl reading the name on the Wall. It seems to me to be a family photo. Wrong?

[dswigle]

Not a family photo, but, a grandmother and grandchild.

The movies you mention, I am familiar with. Vietnam was less supported by people. mostly the youth and some soldiers spat upon when returning home. Keep in mind, we had a draft then and many were selected for service, others were volunteers. My uncle was spat upon in a train for invading another country, my father was a hero in his town. It depends where you were.

The draft stopped long ago and now it is an all-volunteer military for some time now. Those who are in should want to be there and those who are against it do not need to be.

Rolling Thunder and many other riding clubs were huge supporters of the military and many in the club had been enlisted to service.

[bluemoon]

Thanks for the explanations! I understand now.

[dswigle]

I explained it badly, but, I hope you do understand!

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[bluemoon]

Yes, of course!

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[bluemoon]

Thank you!

[angiemitchell]

Arlington National Cementers is a beautiful and a very sad place. So many soldiers have lost their lives in war.

[dswigle]

It's true. I wish this were not the case, but, there are times when freedom isn't free. How sad is that statement? I hope all is well with you and life is treating you good! xoxo

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[redheadpei]

Happy Memorial Day Denise! I’m proud of the way you show so much respect for the men and women who fought to give us the freedom we enjoy..that was before the recent lockdowns,😊💞

The Caisson horses are beautiful and what a grand way to be send off. May they Rest In Peace 🌺🌹🌸

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[dswigle]

The caissons are spectacular! I was totally taken when I saw my first one. The entire stoic ceremony would take your breath away.

Some of the pictures were before lockdown, some weren't. I went there yesterday and people who had family passes (you have a family member buried there) were the only ones allowed in. They still have funerals, although the members of the Old Guard wear masks throughout it now.

I give my utmost respect to those who joined. Freedom isn't always free. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your words!

Have a great week ahead!

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[rynow]

Great post and nice photos. Just one small correction, the cart used actually has 4 wheels (2 axles).

Although it is not nice, it is good that they are strict with the lock-down.

[dswigle]

That is true! I wrote it poorly. The original must have had two, these are replicas. (I actually took that quote verbatim from the cemetery info. :)

Now, I will have to go look it up!

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[violetmed]

Denise, I've been to Arlington Cemetery twice and it is a somber place. It really makes you think about the sacrifice. There is also the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. I haven't been to it. I think it's about a 45 minute drive from my house. I'm just so sad that they did not allow volunteer groups to put American flags on each grave this year. Each family can put one on the grave, but not large groups. The cemetery didn't even let the family of a 95 year old veteran man (that died recently in the Dallas area) have the usual military burial ceremony for him. I felt bad for them. Maybe later...

[dswigle]

The graves at Arlington were covered. Living close is like a blessing and a curse.

Just before Memorial Day weekend, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (the "Old Guard") honored America's fallen heroes by placing American flags at gravesites for service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery.

I know of the angst of not being able to bury a family member. I am waiting to bury my brother and he deserves the honor as he died from sustained injuries. I could have let them bury him, but, I wouldn't be able to live with the rest of the family. So, we will wait. They have rescheduled it for October unless the numbers continue to surge. The family should have already called the cemetery or the line for the services to reschedule so they can get in the long line ahead of them.

They are not having normal burial services, although they will allow up to 10 at the gathering. It is harsh, but to tell you the truth, the civilian sector is also treating funerals in the same way, some even a little more strict.

Anyway, the National Cemeteries are usually beautiful and well maintained. I stroll through many a day. They are usually steeped in history.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!

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[manorvillemike]

Marvelous tribute to our military service men and women... Love and peace to all...

[dswigle]

Thanks so much for your words, Mike! @ManorvilleMike Despite being 100% lover of the military, I am also 100% advocate of peace.

Truth. I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!

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[robertandrew]

Such a beautiful tribute to those fallen soldiers, Denise. Thank you for sharing as it's an honor to be able to read this :)

[dswigle]

Thank you so much. You just made my morning. Have a great day!

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[pixresteemer]

Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!Week 7 of my contest just started...you can now check the winners of the previous week!₄

[dswigle]

Thank you for the reposting @pixresteemer!!!!!! Much appreciated!

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[dswigle]

Thank you for the notification @hivebuzz! Much appreciated! Have a great day!

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[hivebuzz]

You're welcome @dswigle ❤️ You too have a nice day 🙂
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[dswigle]

Thank you! :)

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[peacewealth]

So comforting... My the souls of the departed resting peace.

[dswigle]

Thank you. Memorial Day is usually a day much different than this, but, the lockdown has force it to be a little quieter. Which is okay also. I hope you had a wonderful day.

Thank you for taking the time to stop and say hello.

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[peacewealth]

My day went well. Thank you. I appreciate your tip.

Hope you have seen my recent posts.

@peacewealth

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[kaminchan]

At first I dared not read this post as the emotions would be too much for me.

War is a terrible thing and I hope there won’t be any more major war. Secret wars may still go on including secret tortured of prisoners in many places.

I hope politicians and people will learn from the past so that history will not be repeated again.

That’s a very important day of remembrance and being grateful to those who sacrificed to protect the rest of the world.

[dswigle]

I really understand. I think I post like this to hope that people will not go down this road, having seen the destruction it causes in people's life. It is the secret wars that do so much destruction. People don't even know it is happening. Sadly.

If you read and understand history, hopefully, it will not repeat itself. xoxo

Thank you for reading.

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[kaminchan]

People are too busy with their routine life that they have no time to contemplate deeply on anything. They need to become aware of the past generations’ experiences through various remembrance days.

There’s quite a struggle between the dark and light sides which is slowly becoming more visible. It’s quite dicey when one side’s back is against the wall. I hope and pray for the least violent outcome.

Thank you so much for being very generous.
Best.

[dswigle]

Thank you for your kindness.

[kaminchan]

Oh! You are my good example of kindness!

Cheers.

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[kaminchan]

Thank you very much for the tip!

[dswigle]

I'm totally #posh -ed!!

[bhoa]

Aaaargh!!! Very very good post. I hope some countries can remember their fallen soldiers. I can feel the passion from your post. I wish my country can remember its falleb heroes..

[dswigle]

What country are you from?

[bhoa]

Nigeria

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