Remembering a Fallen Soldier


Three Soldiers, Viet Nam War Memorial

Memorial Day falls on May 26th this year, only eight weeks away. With the way things are going in Iraq, almost every day has become a memorial day during these past few years. This is not a political opinion; simply a fact. 


The American tradition of honoring its fallen soldiers is a strong one...





Memorial Day falls on May 26th this year, only eight weeks away. With the way things are going in Iraq, almost every day has become a memorial day during these past few years. This is not a political opinion; simply a fact.

 The American tradition of honoring its fallen soldiers is a strong one, impervious to politics and politicians, candidates for high office, military strategists, war profiteers, or war protesters. Even when the war is an unpopular one, the loss of a son or daughter, a father, sister, brother or niece, hits each and every American in the most personal way. Taking time out to honor people who served their country and gave their lives as a result has nothing to do with political opinions. It’s about recognizing bravery and dedication to duty. It’s about sacrifice to a national will that every volunteer who signed up for any branch of the US Military Services gave in the hope that his or her efforts would advance the ideals and beliefs of American as a nation.
 

Memorial Day is very often marked by a visit to a cemetery or participation in a civil or religious memorial ceremony. It’s also a time meant to be spent with family and friends, a coming together to celebrate the continuation of strong family ties and to enjoy picnics, parades, and other community activities. Many families have Memorial Day traditions and plan events and activities well in advance.

 

Spending time remembering friends and family members who are no longer alive and able to join in such activities should be a part of every gathering. Laying wreaths or setting flags and flowers on graves symbolize tribute and recognition of the sacrifice made by those lost their lives in the service of their country. Displaying photographs of lost family members is a heartwarming way to recall memories and relate family stories to the children who never knew them in person.

 

With modern digital technology there are new ways to create poignant memorials to loved ones lost in the military. One way is to send a digital photo (or scan in a print photograph to your PC) to http://www.paintyourlife.com and commission it to be painted as a genuine hand-painted oil painting. Old photographs from World War II or even earlier can be scanned in and recreated as drawings in pencil, pastels, or charcoal. It’s surprisingly affordable.  With a little forethought, a photo to painting can be ordered to arrive well before Memorial Day.

 

Hanging a painted portrait on your wall or giving a portrait to a family member for Memorial Day serves as reminders of fallen heroes and family traditions of love and honor.

 
Jack

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