...family, friends, home and other tidbits of a blessed life

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Memorial Day

Memories, Memorial Day and Me

Growing up in France, I was privileged to have lived much of American history overseas. We traveled across Europe stopping at sights around every turn of the road. Among Nice, Paris, Milan, the Rhine river, the Black Forest, Switzerland, Austria there were those excursions that Dad would take because it was something he wanted to see.

I saw the Marginot line along Germany and France were the French held off the German attack until the Germans broke through in Belgium. I remember walking these lines of bunkers seeing left over dog tags, helmets, and guns.

But more than those memories, I vividly remember the American cemetaries in Europe. White crosses and perfectly manicured lawns pepper the landscape. There was one on the way to school in Orleans, France along with the notible ones on Omaha and Normandy beaches. And every year on Memorial Day the pristine white crosses were adorned with flags. Every single cross had it's own flag. I used to wonder who went out and planted each one so perfectly. I know now. It is those who are left behind and who remember. As a token of thanks for giving their lives so that others may live.



Have a wonderful Memorial Day remembering why we celebrate this day.

*This is a repost of May 2009.... I'll be linking up with the Tablescaper's Seasonal Sunday - see ya there!

26 comments:

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

What a beautiful and touching post, Marlis. I enjoyed reading this so much. I've always longed to visit those cemeteries and seeing the perfect rows of white crosses. It must be very moving.

Have a safe and fun weekend,

Nancy

Babs said...

Your post is a beautiful tribute to our many fallen soldiers in Europe. I fear our generation will be the last to remember those who died fighting for the freedom of so many.
Thank you, Marlis,for remembering them on this Memorial Day.
Hugs,
Babs

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a lovely post of tribute. Thanks for sharing and Happy Memorial Day.

Barbara F. said...

I enjoyed reading your post. Sounds like you had a very interesting life growing up! xo,

Susan Freeman said...

Thank you for a wonderful and touching post!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Sarah said...

Beautiful post, Marlis. One of the most touching moments in my life was my visit to the American cemetery at Normandy. ~ Sarah

Lynn said...

A very nice post Marlis! Happy Memorial Day:@)

Becky said...

Very lovely post. Just wanted to mention that the American cemeteries in France also have a number of Stars of David marking graves, as not all the soldiers who gave their lives were Christian. Even though we have seen the photos of the cemeteries there all our lives, it is so moving to actually see them in person.

Becky

The French Hutch said...

Very touching tribute. I have walked among the white crosses and perfect lawns and thought about those who didn't come home to waiting families, and lives not lived. The ultimate sacrifice by so many families. I am one of the lucky ones, my Dad came home from WW1 and so did my FIL. Thanks for a beautiful post.
Happy Memorial Day......

~Emily
The French Hutch

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!! May we always remember. In Canada, we "remember" on November 11. We call it, "Remembrance Day". Services at the cenotaphs etc. I do always a display in my front entry.

Kuby said...

How wonderful to have those memories of Memorial Day and a visceral understanding of what war cost. Freedom is surely not free.

Snap said...

Beautiful post Marlis.... it's what it is all about. Happy Seasonal Sunday!

A Perfect Setting said...

A touching post! Thanks for sharing.

Scribbler said...

Thank you.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Thank you Marlys on this beautifu post about Memmorial Day. You had a beautiful childhood in these countries, thank you so much for sharing, this is very touching!
Have a nice week.
FABBY

The Tablescaper said...

Such a beautiful tribute.

- The Tablescaper

Savannah Granny said...

Thank you for a beautiful post from another viewpoint. That must have been a strange sight for one so young.
Have a great Memorial Day. Ginger :)

Mary said...

What a wonderful & moving post Marlis~

Happy Memorial Day to you!

Rettabug said...

Well said, Marlis! You were very fortunate to get to see & learn from a different perspective.
I'm glad you reposted this, as I missed seeing it last year.

Have a GREATful Memorial Day!
fondly,
Rett

Diann said...

A wonderful Memory to share for today! Happy Memorial Day to you and your family!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day. Your last tablescape was gorgeous. I love the lace!

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

What a beautiful and different post. How wonderful to have lived in so many beautiful places. Thank you for sharing this special memory with us.
Hugs to you,
Donna

Unknown said...

here from the tablescaper's link up...very nice post.

bj said...

A beautiful post.
xo bj

xinex said...

Great post, Marlis. Beautiful photos! I hope you had a great Memorial Day...Christine

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Hi Marlis,
Your stories are always so wonderful to read. It may sound weird and corny, but when you write stories like these, I feel like I am being read an autobiography. Like a kid being read a story. Afterwards, I always think what a nice store of memories you have. You are a lucky lady :)

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