Memorial Day Weekend.

Zoie and I had a wonderful visit with my parents today. Despite the rain outside, it felt like the beginning of summer eating ribs, beans, salad and yummy lemon meringue pie. As many families enjoy their picnics and cookouts this weekend it's important to take a moment to think about what this holiday truly means. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

With this said, my favorite war movie is Saving Private Ryan (1998).

These are the lines from my favorite scene:

Old James Ryan: [addressing Capt. Miller’s grave] My family is with me today. They wanted to come with me. To be honest with you, I wasn't sure how I'd feel coming back here. Every day I think about what you said to me that day on the bridge. I tried to live my life the best that I could. I hope that was enough. I hope that, at least in your eyes, I've earned what all of you have done for me.

Ryan's Wife: James?...[looking at headstone]

Ryan's Wife: Captain John H Miller.

Old James Ryan: Tell me I have led a good life.

Ryan's Wife: What?

Old James Ryan: Tell me I'm a good man.

Ryan's Wife: You are.[walks away]

Old James Ryan: [stands back and salutes]

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Here is a poem that inspired the start of Memorial Day.

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae, 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

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Thank you Dad for serving our country for so many years! We love you!