Memorial Parades

Yes, Memorial Day has become the {unofficial} start to summer, but I wasn't about to let the holiday pass without paying tribute to the fallen men and women that have sacrificed their tomorrows so that we might have today.

I wanted my son to begin to understand the meaning of this important holiday, above and beyond the many BBQs we attended over the weekend, playing badminton, volleyball, and swimming. So we took him to his first parade ~ and caught a second on the way back home.

I wasn't sure if he would be patient and enjoy it, but little kids never cease to amaze me...they understand so much more than we give them credit.  He clapped and waved, and loved every minute of it.

It warmed my heart to see so many people come out and line the streets to applaud the veterans as they proudly marched by us. I adore these "small town America" traditions, and I so enjoy being able to share them with my child...

to pass along the values that we, in this country, hold so near and dear - and to begin to expose him to our nation's history.

I want him to appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of not only our heroic armed forces, but also of the men and women that protect us here at home...our police officers, firefighters, E.M.S and ambulance drivers.

And I also want him to take pride in his community. As citizens we have a responsibility to uphold the values of our Forefathers and to work together to make this great nation the wonderful place that it is.

We were fortunate to have beautiful weather through the weekend, right up until the afternoon on Memorial Day {just long enough to get our own BBQ out of the way} before the heavy storms came and brought downpours for the remainder of the evening.

I hope you and your family enjoyed the festivities over the holiday weekend!  

Now let the summer season {unofficially} begin!