Sunday, May 27, 2018

Memorial Day 2018

Thanks to Cheryl Willis Patten for posting this photograph.  Although neither of us know the origin of the photo, it  appropriately speaks to the true meaning and significance  of Memorial Day as a day of rememberance of all those, who, from the beginning of our history as a nation, served to preserve and defend our liberty.  
All gave, some gave all!


      I read with interest several articles about the origin of our Memorial Day and will include links for those of you who may wish to read them yourselves:
http.//www.usmemorialday.org/?page_id=2,
https:www.readthespirit.com/explore/the-first-memorial-day-may-1-1865-reported-in-the-charleston

     No matter, what the town of origin for the first celebration, or the actual date, or whether we think of Memorial Day as the unofficial start of the summer season. observing it with picnics or barbecues, family outings or, simply a three day holiday from work and relaxation, the true meaning of the day is sacred.  It is meant to be a day of rememberance and an opportunity to honor those who served in our miltary, and especially those who paid the ultimate price for the liberties we enjoy today.  For many families across the nation, it has also become a day for decorating the graves of loved ones who have passed on.

     At the East Deering/Grand Trunk Cemetery, on Wednesday of this week, a small group gathered to decorate the graves of our interred Veterans and to repeat their names.  I have heard that by saying the names of the dead out loud, they will be remembered always.  I hope so.



PVT. SAMUEL BLAKE:  WAR OF 1812
BORN:  1794, DIED:  1846

PVT. WILLIAM BLAKE:  WAR OF 1812
BORN:  1774, DIED:  1853

PVT. SIMON DAVIS:  REVOLUTIONARY WAR
BORN:  1766, DIED:  1810

PVT. ANDREW GRAVES:  WAR OF 1812
BORN:  1774, DIED:  1860

LEUT. CRISPUS GRAVES, REVOLUTIONARY WAR
BORN:  1742, DIED:  1818

PVT. JOSEPH LUNT, REVOLUTIONARY WAR
BORN:  1757, DIED:  1804

PVT. JOSEPH MERRILL, WAR OF 1812
BORN:  1754, DIED:  1823

PVT. JAMES MOSELEY, US CIVIL WAR
BORN:  1836, DIED:  1892

PVT. JOHN SAWYER, JR., REVOLUTIONARY WAR
WAR OF 1812
BORN:  1760, DIED:  1842

PVT. JOSEPH M. SAWYER, WAR OF 1812
BORN:  1797, DIED:  1876

PVT. WILLIAM SAWYER, WAR OF 1812
BORN:  1763, DIED:  1825

PVT. FRANCIS SMITH, WAR OF 1812
BORN:  1791, DIED:  1840





    
     Although none of these men died in battle, we remember them for their service and contribution to the history of the city of Portland, the state of Maine and to the Nation.  The names were read aloud, flags placed and wreaths presented and finally, all recited the verses of 'Taps'. 

   Many thanks to the Girl Scouts of Troop 1547 and their Leaders Stacie Partin Hanscom and Mary Beth Lapin, along with our friend Lynda Allshouse for participating in this brief and meaningful ceremony.

Wreath at the graves of Francis Smith and Simon Davis


Wreath at the Grand Trunk Cemetery Veterans Memorial.

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