To Dad:

Father: Friend, Advice-giver, Teacher, Helper, Encourager, Realist

Dad, He is the man who held the firm line of discipline in love and whose opinion matters most. He is the provider and protector of the household, and yet took time to teach us to play catch or lead us on excursions of the imagination by reading us to sleep in childhood. 

And though there are times we may not always see eye to eye, we knew there was love wanting our best interest at heart. He has taught us by example in how to treat people, to take a stand for convictions, and to befriend those in need. To achieve his approval is the most encouragement you ever need.  And no matter how old one may grow, he is Father. 

“Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.”  - Author Unknown

Let us Remember

Memorial Day – currently known for another holiday weekend, for cookouts and for kicking off the summer season. But it holds a much more valuable significance.

Memorial Day was once called Decoration Day- simply a day to remember the fallen in service from the U.S. Civil War. General John Logan who was national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic proclaimed it May 5, 1868, and officially observed it May 30, 1868 when flowers were then dispersed upon the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington. It was a sobering day to remember the tragedy of what our nation had been through and to keep in mind so as to not endure such a conflict again – the dividing of a nation. After World War One the day became more than just a day to focus on those who died in the Civil War but a day to tribute all fallen servicemen.

In 1915 Moina Michael developed the idea of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day in tribute to those who died serving the nation during the various wars. 

Today we as a nation have seen many more battles and wars. Many more have found their resting places while serving as was their duty. It is to those faithful fallen souls that we stop to reflect, appreciate and never forget the honor due them for their service.