MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day started unofficially
Just before the Civil War.
Families would honor those deceased---
Some before they were born.

Family members would get together
And re-connect and  reminisce---
Have a pot-luck dinner and decorate
The graves of all who'd passed.

Some might even have a short
Prayer service to give thanks
For their family and blessings,
Both present and past.

Through the years it evolved
Into a holiday to honor
Those who had died in service
To our country while at war.

The two remembrances combined,
And now we decorate the graves
Of all loved ones passed, and those
Of soldiers show flags that wave.

This is not to be confused with
Veteran's Day--the day that we
Honor all who have served.  Those
Gone, those MIA's and POW's released.

And while paying respects to
Those who are gone--
Remember their legacy:  your
Ancestry, and Freedom won.