05-24-2015, 11:52 AM
Today we prepared the house for company tomorrow, as friends and ohana will join us, as we fondly and respectfully, remember those who gave their lives for our country.
The mo'opuna were asking about what are we going to barbeque, can they go swimming, can they have a "sleep over", etc. My brother and I sat them down to explain the meaning of Memorial Day. It is not about a barbeque, nor swimming and a sleep over, and not just a "day off" from work and school.
We explained the meaning of Memorial Day (Decoration Day) gently, but firmly. We will honor our soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Some are from our ohana, and perhaps are also your ohana; we thank them all.
I showed the mo'opuna my Daddy's flag (still folded immaculately), which was presented to my Mom upon his death. Tears started to flow, as we remembered what a fine man Daddy was, and how he served with conviction, with honor, and with unwaivering loyalty to the United States of America.
My Aunt brought out Uncle's Green Beret, bless his soul. During her stories of Uncle being a Green Beret, she shared the song with the kids, and allowed me to gather myself for a moment. My Daddy loved all those military songs, and taught us each and every one. We even laughed about his "spit shine" boots; never saw any man take such good care of his boots! [
]
Her youngest mo'opuna asked, "Aunty, (yelling at me in the kitchen) can we print out songs for tomorrow to sing after we bless the food?". So precious. Absolutely.
I trust all of you will have a safe Memorial Day, and appreciate the time taken to reflect on each one of our soldiers who have died for this country. May God bless their souls, and their families.
To those who are here, especially in Puna (there are many), who have also served our country, my ohana thanks you, and will never forget your sacrifice. May we all work towards taking better care of our Veterans. This country owes each one of them, and their families, a better tomorrow.
Be well, be safe, and mahalo for the indulgence. Leaving you all with that great old song, "The Green Beret":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5WJJVSE_BE
May we all remember our fallen soldiers on this Memorial Day. God bless them, God bless all of us, and God Bless America:
(Kate Smith - 1938)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zF7a0wB-Lg
(Ray Charles - My Daddy loved him!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CILIBlQ2D0Q
Love you, Daddy.
JMO.
ETA: We never had BBQ; Daddy would feed us "Rations (or MRE's)" in those green packets (circa 60's), just to teach us a little about being a soldier. We will never forget, and will always be thankful. Please share stories with us, if you have them, of your soldiers. Mahalo.
The mo'opuna were asking about what are we going to barbeque, can they go swimming, can they have a "sleep over", etc. My brother and I sat them down to explain the meaning of Memorial Day. It is not about a barbeque, nor swimming and a sleep over, and not just a "day off" from work and school.
We explained the meaning of Memorial Day (Decoration Day) gently, but firmly. We will honor our soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Some are from our ohana, and perhaps are also your ohana; we thank them all.
I showed the mo'opuna my Daddy's flag (still folded immaculately), which was presented to my Mom upon his death. Tears started to flow, as we remembered what a fine man Daddy was, and how he served with conviction, with honor, and with unwaivering loyalty to the United States of America.
My Aunt brought out Uncle's Green Beret, bless his soul. During her stories of Uncle being a Green Beret, she shared the song with the kids, and allowed me to gather myself for a moment. My Daddy loved all those military songs, and taught us each and every one. We even laughed about his "spit shine" boots; never saw any man take such good care of his boots! [
] Her youngest mo'opuna asked, "Aunty, (yelling at me in the kitchen) can we print out songs for tomorrow to sing after we bless the food?". So precious. Absolutely.
I trust all of you will have a safe Memorial Day, and appreciate the time taken to reflect on each one of our soldiers who have died for this country. May God bless their souls, and their families.
To those who are here, especially in Puna (there are many), who have also served our country, my ohana thanks you, and will never forget your sacrifice. May we all work towards taking better care of our Veterans. This country owes each one of them, and their families, a better tomorrow.
Be well, be safe, and mahalo for the indulgence. Leaving you all with that great old song, "The Green Beret":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5WJJVSE_BE
May we all remember our fallen soldiers on this Memorial Day. God bless them, God bless all of us, and God Bless America:
(Kate Smith - 1938)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zF7a0wB-Lg
(Ray Charles - My Daddy loved him!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CILIBlQ2D0Q
Love you, Daddy.
JMO.
ETA: We never had BBQ; Daddy would feed us "Rations (or MRE's)" in those green packets (circa 60's), just to teach us a little about being a soldier. We will never forget, and will always be thankful. Please share stories with us, if you have them, of your soldiers. Mahalo.