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| 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.
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.
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.
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| Wreath at the graves of Francis Smith and Simon Davis |
Wreath at the Grand Trunk Cemetery Veterans Memorial.
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