I'm re posting this to honor the men and women who are serving or who have served our country. The time they give and the sacrifices they've made (sometimes the ultimate) are immeasurable. Thank you for your service and sacrifices. May God watch over you and bring you safely home to your families very soon.
Bird and I took these photos in July of 2002 as we prepared to move to Italy for the Air Force. Seeing the rows and rows of white tombstones and names on the walls made history and those who perished come alive.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Arlington Cemetery
Vietnam Memorial
While living in Italy, I had the opportunity to visit this American Military Cemetery outside of Florence on the first anniversary of 9/11. While there, I read the letter included at the end of this post written from one Gold Star Mother to another Gold Star Mother. It saddened me to think of all the men and women who died for our country and the world but were never able to return home to say good-bye.
The monument below says:
This figure was formerly part of a monument erected near Scarperia by the 363RD Infantry 91ST Division to honor the memory of their fallen comrades and to commemorate the achievements of the regiment in World War II.
The names of some of the men and women buried at this cemetery.
To: A Gold Star Mother
Our boy too is asleep over there
resting in peace in the maker's care.
It broke our hearts when news came thru
just as your heart is broken too.
But God will ease your grief and pain.
Even tho your prayers seemed all in vain
remember his son was crucified
and now your faith is being tried.
We watched him from an infant grow
as proud of him as parents only know.
Taught him to play and laugh and sing
and tucked him in bed in the evening.
Send him to church and then to school
Where he was taught the golden rule.
And before we knew it he was on his own
a credit to his family and his home.
Then he heard his country's call
and left his home to give his all.
He didn't balk or flinch or waver
and none who fought were any braver.
We are proud to be the parents of him
who gave his life for this world of sin.
So may God grant in your hour of pain,
that peace be yours and ever remain.
From: A Gold Star Mother
10 comments:
beautiful.. thanks for sharing. Hope you have a nice holiday with your loved ones.. :)
What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing your pictures too. They are great.
Great post for today! Happy Memorial Day!
Such an important day... thank you for sharing this.
This is an absolutely incredible post.
Thank to you and Bird for the time you gave us also.
Thanks for coming by! Beautiful post and pictures.
Thanks for sharing today!
Thank you for the comment about my son the other day. I thought about celebrating Memorial Day over here but like Tday, the 4th, Labor Day and all those other american holidays, it's just not the same without people who understand what it all means. Loved the ending part of this post...it was very special to read.
Beautiful!
My friends husband comes home tomorrow night, I can't imagine what the last year has been like for her! She was just about in tears when she was telling me that he had called her and was out of and danger zones.
The photos of Arlington get me every time! When I see those white tombstones....I'm prouder than ever to be an American! Thank God for every single one of them! Great pictures!
What a wonderful post.
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