3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

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Memorial Day Patriotism

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The Internet and Social Media Patriotism

I’m so glad to see Memorial Day patriotism spread all over the vast social media networks, including Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. People may criticize social media, call it a waste of time, snippets of fluff, but I do think one positive aspect of short exchanges of sentiment can be a statement of not only what you had for breakfast, but a reminder of what really matters in life.

Memorial day photos, MEMEs, and military tributes are covering the internet, signs of patriotism, love of country, and respect for our military. This is a good thing. In these days of political squabbles and infighting let’s not forget our men and women in the armed forces:the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, who have given the ultimate price and died serving our country and freedom.

I have combined my three passions (Quarters) photography, graphic design, and the military to give you the image below. Please feel free to share with your friends and family this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day Patriotism
Let us not ever forget, but always remember the reason for Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day,” a poem by Wallace Bruce, is the source of this patriotic quote. The poem was first published in a book called Wanderers in 1907. The glorious men “who kept the faith and fought the fight” are the soldiers who fought and died for their country; the citizens who owe their freedom to these individuals now have the duty to uphold the values for which these soldiers fought. Specifically, the poem is about the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. source

So this weekend, go to your picnics, enjoy your barbecues, throw a steak on the grill, but also take time to visit a cemetery, attend a Memorial Day parade or ceremony. Just think and reflect that while you are enjoying your life and freedom soldiers, Marines, sailors, and airmen fought in many wars before your time to ensure the freedom and rights of the United States of America.

Memorial DayMemorial Day for KidsMemorial Day SurpriseThe Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans

After our annual trip to the town cemetery for a service and recognition I will head over to the senior center where lunch is served for the town and then to the GAR Hall to stroll through our Veterans Museum.

I’d like to know your holiday traditions and how you spend Memorial Day weekend, leave me a comment below and share how your town recognizes this patriotic holiday.

Placing Flags For Memorial Day

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In cemeteries all over the country flags are placed on the graves of veterans for Memorial Day. Have you ever wondered how they suddenly appear, who places them, and how long it takes?

In Elmwood Nebraska, a town of just slightly over 800 people, we celebrate Memorial Day like many towns across the country. The local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) coordinates volunteers to met in the cemetery to place flags on the memorial crosses and markers. I’ve learned this event is often called “Flaging In”

Community helps place flags
Community helps place flags

A time of 7 o’clock pm was sent out for anyone who wanted to help decorate the cemetery. I got there about 7:05 and the people were already milling about with bundles of flags. All of the small flags had already been taken so a friend and I were given a basket of large flags to raise on the poles.

Boy Scout placing flags on Memorial Day
Boy Scout placing flags on Memorial Day

Each pole was at least a two person job, one to hold the flag to make sure it didn’t touch the ground, and the other to raise the pole. The flag wanted to fly free in the wind and I can’t describe the feeling I had as I released the flag into the wind and watch it unfurl. Maybe a sense of pride crept over my face along with a smile. It felt good.

Raising the flag on Memorial Day
Raising the flag on Memorial Day
Raising flags on Memorial Day
Raising flags on Memorial Day
American Flag Ready to fly on Memorial Day
American Flag Ready to fly

This was truly a community event with people of all ages helping.

American unfurls at half staff
American flag unfurls at half staff

It’s pretty amazing to gather with a group of people who feel the same way. Who want to remember veterans and those that died serving their country. People need to remember, never forget what makes the United States great.

Take time out this weekend from your barbecues, family get togethers and shopping to visit a military museum, take part in a Memorial Day ceremony at a church or cemetery. Look at the names and dates on the headstones and remember.

Where to Buy American Flags Made in America

Valley Forge Flag 3-Feet by 5-Feet Nylon USBulk American Flags for Cemeteries3′ X 5′ Flag Display Case

Recognizing Memorial Day

The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

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The Flag Still Stands For Freedom
The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

During last years trip to Washington DC I had a chance to visit all of the war memorials. The Vietnam Wall affected me the most. To see all those names stretching out into the horizon gave this new Marine Mom a new perspective. Some day it could be my son’t name etched in the granite of a memorial.

It is through tears that I write this, just a little under two months before my youngest son leaves for Marine boot camp. The risk has doubled, the sacrifices of families, and loved ones that served and gave their all still proves that the Flag Still Stands for Freedom.

Thanks to MCPActions for having a Memorial Day contest to submit images of patriotism, freedom, and peace. Deadline is May 27th, so if you would like to submit yours head over there, a free 16 x 20 print will be awarded to ten winners.