Memorial Day

 

I have never asked this before, but if you clicked here to find pretty pictures and are about to click somewhere else, please stay and read 'til the end. That would make me happy today.

While in the midst of our family picnics, hamburgers and corn on the cob, let us not forget the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As they say, freedom is not free. But it certainly is taken for granted from time to time.

I just read the most beautiful Memorial Day post from my friend Rosalyn-Sue. Click here if you'd like to read it too.

She is the founder of a non-profit organization called Operation Stars & Stripes. The organization supports the troops and their families in many different ways, and you can read all about it by clicking the link. If you're so inclined, you can make a tax-deductable donation. I just did. And it still feels like so little. A very tiny little thank you to those who are "over there" giving so much for all of us. 

Rosalyn-Sue will soon be launching a new program within OSS called "Operation Creating for a Cause". It will be a great way for crafters to get involved and show support. More on that later.

One more thing, dear readers, if you have a pile of magazines sitting around that you don't know what to do with....send them to Operation Stars & Stripes! The female troops are requesting them. This is something that had never crossed my mind, to be honest with you. And now I can't WAIT to start sending my magazines their way. I certainly don't need to stockpile anymore back issues in my house. I'm so glad to be able to pass them on to someone else who will enjoy reading them.

And about the pretty pictures....I'm pretty fond of the one up there at the top of this post. When I was living in Europe, while I loved it, I was also homesick from time to time. Seeing Old Glory flying at the American Embassy actually brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. And I wanted to kiss the ground when I got home. A beautiful sight indeed.

Wishing you and yours a Happy and safe Memorial Day!

Comments

[Dawn @ The Feathered Nest]

Wonderful post Andrea...so many have sacrificed so much for our freedom ~ I am very thankful for each of them! I love the magazine idea! xxoo, Dawn

[Mimi]

We need to continue to share with our young people the meaning of this day lest it become nothing more than a long holiday weekend filled with beer and hot dogs.

Our fallen warriors deserve so much more.

[Kathy]

Thank you so much for this beautiful post. My Son has only been in Army basic training for 3 weeks now and we just found out yesterday that he has pneumonia. I am so worried, and so very proud of him for making this choice in his life. I will check out the links, thank you!
Kathy

[Vicki]

Thank you! My Grandparents visited Italy and with all the aches and Pains when they arrived "home" they did get down on bended knee and kiss the ground of America!
There is also a program to send Grocery Coupons to the troops
Coupons for the troops
100 FSS/FSFR
Unit 4925 Box 280
APO AE 09459

[amy faldet]

Great post! Blessings.

[Carol Ryan http://parasolsandmaryjanes.blogspot.com/]

I did read all the way through. After living abroad myself, I agree with you that there is nothing as lovely and stirring as the sight of our American flag and being on our own hard fought free soil. Many have given all so that we can celebrate this weekend.

[clarice]

Oh thank you for posting Andrea, I have oddels of mags. What a wonderful idea. Clarice

[Leah C]

What a wonderful post...and reminder...dear Andrea! I am forever {and will never forget to be} grateful to all our veterans, past & present. My stepson recently joined the Army, and while I worry about him, I have never been more proud! The picture is a beautiful one...Old Glory is such a sight to behold! And now I'm off to gather some magazines. Have a wonderful Memorial Day:)

[Tiina]

Thank you for the info...Bless them all...Love Tiina...

[Janet Doherty]

I am with you!!

[DanaSmith]

I just read Rosalyn-Sue's post and had to stop mid-post to compose myself I was crying so hard. As an Air Force Brad and a Coast Guard wife I understand all too well the sacrifices made by our Military men and women. I'm going downstairs and gather up a big ole pile of magazines(you know all too well that I'm the Magazine Queen!!). Also, I got your message... I'll call you tomorrow!

[ann]

Thank you Andrea from the bottom of my heart for this post. I just read Rosalyn-Sue's Memorial Day post and it is incredibly moving...thank you so much for sharing this because you are absolutely right, freedom isn't free...Ann

[Jeni Carlson]

I will definately get involved. I love and am so grateful for our soldiers and all that they sacrifice. Thank you for the information and sharing.

[Jennifer Grenko]

Andrea, wonderful post for a great cause!! I am going to be bundling up my magazines for them and have made my donation too. When I lived in Italy, we would see a movie on base about once per week. Before the movie, they would always play a film clip of the star spangled banner showing shots of the flag, troops , etc. It never failed to make me mist up...

[Dena Miller]

Andrea,
You are so correct when you say to remember those who help to give us the freedoms that we currently have. My Husband and I have a band and we wrote and recorded a song that says just that! Please go to www.myspace.com/thesidewinderband and click on the song "The Torch Keeps Burning" I hope you will like it. It means so much to us and our hope is to get the message out that No matter wether you agree or disagree with the war or any wars that we have fought in, we must let the children know that we have fought these wars so that THEY may have the same freedoms that we have and have enjoyed in our past. God bless you and God, also bless America too.
Much love,
Dena

[debi @ life in my studio]

How could any picture with the flag in it, not be considered a pretty picture? Beautiful post!!

[Rosemary]

Great post Andrea!!
Have a good week,
Rosemary

[tiffany]

beautifully put and thought provoking. So great to help out Rosalyn Sue in her cause. Her post was very moving.
xoxo, Tiffany

[rita]

Thank you for the info, I will send all my magazines. So I go to their web site for the address of where to ship it? Grazie Rita

[angela]

This was a wonderful post and that is a beautiful picture..I love to see our flag flying on homes and in yards and not just public spaces. It is so cool how God placed us in each others lives to make a difference and just look at how Rosalyn Sue and Operation Stars and Stripes are going to benefit from En Le Jardin, it is absolutely amazing how God works!
Thanks for sharing this and I hope your week is going well!!

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

Thank you for this wonderful post Andrea!

On Saturday I posted pictures of my favorite cub scout and den leader arising at 5:30 am to travel to the local cemetary. There they placed flags and saluted those that paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

[Suzanne]

Lovely Andrea ~ after meeting Rosalyn-Sue I decided that I would save my magazines too. You both have celebrated Memorial Day beautifully.

Ciao bella,
Suzanne

[jamie]

So Glad I popped in. I always have a big stack of Mags that my neighbor and I pass back and forth. I would love to send them off for others to enjoy. Im off to see where to send them. Thank you for the info. Jamie

[holly]

Such a beautiful and heartfelt post. I think you're really lovely and I thank YOU for that. Have a wonderful day!

[Honey Bend Vintage]

Andrea~ Such a nice post. My husband has been in the service since 1984. In 1987 he got out of active duty and became a police officer. He has been a reservist since 1988 and has given a lot to his country. We married in 1996 and he has been away for long periods of time. I am so very proud of him and all our brave soilders. Thanks for such a nice post!
Bristol