Memorial Day Ceremony

 One of the things Mark and I loved about living in the town of Davie was that it were very festive when it came to holidays or special events.  Parades and celebrations were frequent during the year. A Memorial Day parade was planned and Mark and I looked forward to going to our last parade before we moved.  We got to the parade about 10:15 (15 minutes late) and sadly it was over!  We were a little disappointed until we realized it probably wasn't too great of a parade since it was only 15 min long. Instead we went to the rodeo grounds for a Memorial Day ceremony they were holding afterwards.

 

When we got there, they had a bunch of army vehicles lined up to view and most everyone was wearing red, white, and blue.  It felt so patriotic--I loved it!

I was worried that the ceremony was going to be boring but I actually ended so grateful that we had come. During the ceremony, they had a couple of speakers that talked about freedom and brave soldiers who fought for our freedom.  I was so touched with the speeches that I almost cried.  What I really loved though is that afterwards, an announcer named off every military conflict that soldiers may have served in. Any soldiers who had served during that time came out of the audience, took a flower, put it on a fake grave, and then stood in their military stance.  We stood up applauding for about ten minutes for the men and women who had served.  We watched as the generations of veterans stood proudly as they filled the front floor. 

 I left feeling so grateful for the sacrifice of the men and women who serve our country.  I felt so proud to live in the United States and proud of the freedoms we enjoy.  Most of all, I loved that the town of Davie made such a big deal out of Memorial Day. Usually, I am just excited to have a day off and haven't really thought of the meaning besides visiting relatives that have passed on. I loved adding extra meaning to the holiday.  This Memorial Day was the most memorable and worthwhile I have had.