Memorial Day weekend

Every time I hear the song, "I'm Proud to be an American," I am reminded why I am proud to be an American (and Texan at that but soon to be OKIE). I am proud to be a part of this country...a country where so many men and women have died to uphold its honor and its wonderful name. Memorial Day weekend is usually surrounded by family and friends or a long weekend at the lake. It marks the beginning of summer to some, the end of school to others and BBQ time for the rest. While we all excited about the fun filled Holidays, we must remember the true reason for the Holiday.

Memorial Day (originally Decoration Day), is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It should be a time of reflection, remembering those who have gone before us, paying the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, their lives.

If you haven't visited Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, please add it to your must do list. The feeling the first time you walk through there is one like no other.


I love this essay by a 4th grader. I still hear people talking negative about children with "not normal last names" or in other words Hispanic or a different nationality. It's sad and those people should be ashamed of themselves.

1st place Essay: What Memorial Day Means to Me by R.J. Ravancho, St Gabriel
Consolidated School, grade 4
Memorial Day is a holiday where we honor those citizens living or deceased that
paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country, values and way of life. I come from a
line of proud military members. I am the son, nephew, and grandson of military
veterans. My father, Ron Ravancho, served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger and later as
a Green Beret. My father and I talk periodically about his time in the service. I never
knew that the man I call “Dad” served in foreign campaigns all around the world. He
has told me about some of his experiences in Grenada, Honduras, the DMZ, and
Panama. As my Dad and I talk, he always tells me that “It is our duty as citizens to join
the military and protect our way of life.”
I never knew that my father is an immigrant. He came here to the United States
when he was just a little boy from the Philippines. He is very proud to have the
opportunity to serve the country that allowed him to live life free from oppression. My
grandfather on my Dad’s side is a former member of the U. S. Navy and a Vietnam
veteran. My grandfather on my Mother’s side is a former member of the Army National
Guard. My Dad’s brother, Uncle Ben, was in the Air Force and my Uncle James was a
U. S. Marine.
Most people believe that Memorial Day is just a regular holiday. I know that
Memorial Day is a day where all those military veterans past and present are honored
and remembered for their actions. I honor my family members every year by putting on
my Cub Scout uniform and marching with my pack in Glendale’s Memorial Day parade.
I believe that every citizen should take a moment on this day to remember those
members of the U.S. military that are currently in harm’s way and say a small prayer for
them and their families that they return home safely.
On this Memorial Day while I am marching in the Glendale parade, I will remember
the conversations I have had with my Dad and my grandfathers and continue to march
proudly. After all, they are the inspiration for this essay.


Another song that I was recently told about was Flanders in the Field written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Technically, it is a poem but many sing is as a short song. Here is website that will talk about the poem .

We hope and pray that everyone has a safe and fun Holiday Weekend. I know many of you are heading to the lake tomorrow and I must say we are beyond jealous. Hailey and I pick Chris up on Sunday morning and are having a small cook out on Sunday evening.