Monday, May 27: Memorial Day Special
Memorial Day Edition: Reflections from Ralph Stoney Bates; Patriotic songs that speak to the day we celebrate!
‘From sea to shining sea’
They who faced the enemy
By Ralph Stoney Bates
They are this nation’s military veterans who fought our wars up close and personal; they are the ones who died a thousand times until it became a reality. Today, they, like we all should, remember and reflect on those who lie where poppies grow or near beaches with names like Omaha; they lie in deep ocean waters under the constant swell and ebb of the tides. They lie in manicured grave sites all throughout their homeland and in foreign nations liberated or defended. Some still lie in isolated locations all over the world in places where perhaps they took their last breath, locations known only to God. They are those not having a party or a family gathering or attending a service of honor to our fallen — they are our fallen. They are the ones for whom this Day, this Memorial Day is set aside to honor, reflect and remember.
Sometime, somewhere, somehow, today, just for a moment, raise a glass of whatever floats your “boat,” and give a heart-filled toast to those who gave their “last full measure of devotion,” take a swig and reflect on those not with us.