Memorial Day Message

Greetings from the Grand du Maryland

As Voyagers we have sworn to keep Memorial Day sacred. Thanks to both
Gen. John "Black Jack" Pershing and The American Legion over eighty
years ago the American Overseas Memorial Day Association was founded
"... to remember and honor the memory of those who gave their lives in
World Wars I and II, and whose final resting places are in American
Military Cemeteries or in isolated graves in local cemeteries in
Europe." To honor Gen Pershing support, La Societe will salute
General Pershing on Sunday at 2pm (or about) at his grave site in
Arlington

This Monday, your 40 & 8 will be at Arlington National Cemetery
presenting U.S. Flags to everyone who enters the cemetary. After
Memorial Day addresses are given by the Vice President of the
United States Joe Biden (not the first time a President has not made
the address, 2007 Pres Bush was in Texas) and the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chef de Chemin de Fer Gerald
"Jerry" Brady and La Presidente Nationale are invited to
present a wreath at the tomb of the Unknowns. A national
moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time. Another
tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from
dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on
each grave site at National Cemeteries.

In addition to remembrances, Memorial Day is also used as a time for
picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and sporting events. One of the
longest-standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, an
auto race which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since
1911. The Coca-Cola 600 has been held later the same day since 1961.

If you want to see a patriotic concert go see The National Memorial
Day Concert takes place on the west lawn of the United States Capitol.
The concert is broadcast on PBS and NPR. Music is performed, and
respect is paid to the men and women who gave their lives for their
country. A little hint ot avoid the crowds, there is normally a
rehearsal the day before, that is less crowed.

Keep in mind as we salute our fallen comrades many more Americans view
Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer. We as Voyagers
need to keep the real reason for memorial day sacred. Where you
chapeaux or 40&8 shirt out on Memorial Day to show you support for the
real reason it is a holiday.

May God Bless you and your family and may your weekend be safe. Until
we meet again.
--
Etiam Servans!

BOB OUELLETTE