This weekend, I witnessed a familiar event, one that took place in cemeteries across America this Memorial Day weekend.  I watched as 21 former soldiers from the surrounding towns participated in the Memorial Day ceremony at Cross Lake Cemetery, complete with Taps, and the Salute of Arms.   These 21 Veterans went to seven different cemeteries today to honor their fallen comrades - those who died in battle, or during service, or who have since passed on.  

I can remember being a little girl and gathering on Memorial day to watch the Legion members perform this ceremony.  My cousins,brothers and I would scramble for the spent bullet casings and spend the next few days whistling with them.  When I was 17 years old, I left home to join the United States Air Force.  I served just shy of 4 years, opting for an early out to pursue college.  I have great pride in my family heritage, and all people who have ever served in our Armed Forces.

I come from a long line of soldiers.  Fresh out of high school, my father enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served for 4 years.  In 1976, he joined the National Guard and he served a total of 21 years.  During this time, he was called to Active Duty in the Army and served in the Persian Gulf war from November 11, 1990 until May 10, 1991.  He is now serving as the Commander of the American Legion Post in Stockholm, Maine. 



Before him, his father served in the Army for one year, during which he landed on the Normandy Beach and he was grazed by a bullet on the left side of his head, nearest his eye.  Growing up, I knew my Grandfather, or Pepere as we call him in our local Franco-American dialect - had served in the war, but it is only recently that I learned he was wounded at Normandy Beach. 



I encourage you to pray for our Soldiers - for those on Active Duty and the Reserves serving now to protect America as well as for those Veterans living around us who have served in years past.  Give thanks to God for those forgotten, fallen soldiers.  And pray for our continued protection as a Nation.

Blessings,
Hope