May 28, 2007 is Memorial Day. This day is one that my own father taught the importance of by example. In doing so he also taught the importance of some important principles. What he taught was respect, dedication, dependability and love.
For him it this day was about remembering family gone before. For him and for all of us it also can be a time to just honor those that have served our country.
My Grandfather died in 1955. I recall from that time forward special attention given to where he was laid to rest. A small rather rough cemetery on the side of a hill in Malad Idaho was the resting place for a small group of pioneers and settlers of this area. It was set apart from the grazing land with fence poles and barb wire. No green grass , but a lot of weeds and sagebrush. A couple of years after this event we went to mark off the area where my Grandfather and a older brother of my Dad’s were buried. This older brother Uncle John had passed away in 1919. We set in place a divider from the rest of the area with a cinder block cemented together. This marked off from the surrounding area my fathers families area. From that point forward I recall going to this place several times a year with him.
For him it this day was about remembering family gone before. For him and for all of us it also can be a time to just honor those that have served our country.
My Grandfather died in 1955. I recall from that time forward special attention given to where he was laid to rest. A small rather rough cemetery on the side of a hill in Malad Idaho was the resting place for a small group of pioneers and settlers of this area. It was set apart from the grazing land with fence poles and barb wire. No green grass , but a lot of weeds and sagebrush. A couple of years after this event we went to mark off the area where my Grandfather and a older brother of my Dad’s were buried. This older brother Uncle John had passed away in 1919. We set in place a divider from the rest of the area with a cinder block cemented together. This marked off from the surrounding area my fathers families area. From that point forward I recall going to this place several times a year with him.
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He taught respect, dedication and dependability in doing this. This activity and attention was really was important to him. We teach most effectively that which we have some passion for and for which we really care about.
With such a lesson taught I have often wondered why I have not followed his example. I just have never gone to graveside on Memorial Day. But then I hope I have followed the bigger lesson's example.
With such a lesson taught I have often wondered why I have not followed his example. I just have never gone to graveside on Memorial Day. But then I hope I have followed the bigger lesson's example.
The activity of going on this day, Memorial Day, is not what I learned. I learned that for him this was a meaningful way to show respect....... but also that respect is important. I learned that his dedication reflected his conviction......... but also that dedication is important. I recognize that he continued to honor his parents after they were gone .........and what is important is that you honor your parents.
Then too as I get older I recognize that you can be close to those you respect, honor, and love, wherever you are.
Then too as I get older I recognize that you can be close to those you respect, honor, and love, wherever you are.
2 comments:
great journaling on this - would be perfect for a scrapbook page!
That spot in Malad where your family on the Jones side has become an "Uptown" spot with street names and everything. When Jim & I went down to put our "Mum" in place we were able to go right to Elm street & turn right. There they were my sweet sister Rita & equally sweet brother-in-law Merlin
I don't remember if I told you about the last time we were with Merlin. Dr. Bosley told me he was fading fast so I went in to give him as last kiss. He told me once that I was the only woman besides Rita that had ever kissed him. I always got a kiss when we took him to lunch. So I told him that I was going to kiss him & for him to go tell Rita that it was all right now. I told him he hadn't really done his part but that was cause Rita was there waiting for him. Dr. Bosley put his arms around me and told me that was very special.
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