Upcoming Memorial Day weekend at the Veteran's Memorial

[richelles]

Today the May 31st issue of Time arrived and I opened it to read about the oil spill. After I finished that I skimmed through the rest of the issue until I came to the last page. Nancy Gibb's Essay was right on Topic. I'm going to quote the first paragraph since I think everyone needs to read what she has to say.

"TAPS IS A HIGH MUSICAL MOAN, PART LOVE SONG, PART hymn. Composed by a Civil War general to order lights-out, it also signaled that all was well: the day is over, you are safe , now rest.

TAPS is also the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and if you do nothing else this Memorial Day, take a moment to learn about what it does."

When I finished reading the Essay I thought back to the first Military Funerals I attended. Those were following WWII when some families elected to bring home their fallen ones and each funeral was done with full Honors. After that I went to a classmate's funeral who had died in a stateside Hospital after being seriously wounded in Korea. I was drafted after that and years later a friend's son died in Vietnam and I was there when his flag was folded and handed over to his mother who I had known all my life. Since then I have been present for a number of other's funerals, who I knew, who had served and lived long lives after their service. I read about those who are still fulfilling their duty today and that is where TAPS today is doing so much to help those left behind. Many of the present day ranks are older and have children, wives, families who are being helped by the Program. Think about all who have served this Sunday and thank them for what they did for us.

[starlite9]

Originally Posted by richelles

TAPS is also the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and if you do nothing else this Memorial Day, take a moment to learn about what it does."

Here is the link:

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is Here For You!

[Moose Whisperer]

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[starlite9]

Nice photos, I really like the fall colors there!

The four plaques of the Medal of Honor awarded to Alaskans was there too, but didn't take the photos of them, won't this weekend though, not interested in the big crowds that are going to be there. It is great they are there, but I like the quiet side of the place when I can have it to myself! Maybe on Tuesday on the way back to Anchorage I can post them unless someone else gets them first.