The retired uniformed veteran that sits outside my grocery store during May has told me that I don't need to donate each time I see him, but I do. When I think of the sacrifices that my father, and grandfather, and countless older generations in my family made, and when I see the sacrifices that people in the Service are making today, it's the least I can do. I wish it could be more. I hope we can find some answer besides war someday, and I hope that this country will rededicate itself to taking the best care of its returning veterans we possibly can, always and forever.
- Why has the poppy become the symbol of American Veterans? There's a great story behind it and this website has the details. It's fascinating and moving! Link here.
One of my favorite pieces of "popular" music, "Heroes" by David Bowie, seems fitting today. This is a live performance in 1985 for the world-wide "Live-Aid" concert.
Thinking of you today and hope your enjoying the outdoors.
ReplyDeleteGRANNY
Hi Casey,
ReplyDeleteI wish a veteran would sit outside our grocery store but I guess the Upper West Side is too sophisticated for that! I would surely buy a poppy -- when I lived in Jersey and even after I didn't but still had a car, I always bought a poppy to hang from my rear view mirror. I'm sure the young people have no idea what the poppy, or even Memorial Day, symbolizes except a long weekend and that start of beach season. Thanks for remembering -- and reminding!
Paul, NYC
Thank you Casey, your words are always spot on. Someday I hope mankind will evolve into a humankind where war is no longer an answer...
ReplyDeleteI think of my uncle who gave his life in France in 1918.... and my father and brother who served in WWI and WWII.... and of the brave ones serving today. Thank you will never be enough.
I, I will be king
ReplyDelete& you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can be Heroes, just for one day
We can be us, just for one day
I, I can remember (I remember)
Standing, by the wall (by the wall)
& the guns shot above our heads
(over our heads)
And we kissed,
as though nothing could fall
(nothing could fall)
And the shame was on the other side
Oh we can beat them, for ever & ever
Then we could be Heroes,
just for one day