May is family month! When you read this week's column, many of you will be looking forward to a day off from work - a three day weekend, the opening of the swimming pool, and the official start of the summer season. You may be celebrating life with family and friends. Memorial Day is a day and a time to remember the dead, especially those who perished in America's wars. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Memorial Day is said to have been started in Waterloo, New York, when on May 5th, 1866,residents held a commemorative program and decorated the graves of those who died in the Civil War. Over the years and as the United States fought more wars, Memorial Day, or "Decoration Day" as it is called in some areas, added the remembrance of those soldiers who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Memorial Day is a day of prayer for peace. It is a patriotic day when Americans display the flag. Memorial Day has also become a day to honor one's ancestors and family members who have died. It is a day when many Americans will visit the graves of their loved ones and leave flowers on this special day.

Memorial Day is also a day to celebrate family and show appreciation for the living members of family and community. As we reflect on this day, in the memories of the many Memorial days of the past, may we experience many warm thoughts on peace.

Warm thoughts to ponder: Peace comes not from the absence of conflict in our lives, but from the ability to cope with it. May God's love rest upon you, like a refreshing shower and bless your life with inner peace and with his healing power. Peaceful. Before me, peaceful. Behind me, peaceful. Over me, peaceful. Under me, peaceful. All around me, peaceful. Navajo.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G Werner

Published in the Marion Record May 24th, 1995

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Till next time,

Trina