Shadows fall upon us
With glitter and with gleam
For Veterans united
Upon the earth esteemed

Each one our inspiration
For love that they did give
With honor to their country
They fought so we could live

Within the fields of battle
Upon the foreign shores
Each Veteran remembered
With honor and much more

Such glory and such honor
Within each war they fought
Pride we feel within our hearts
Such sadness for those lost

Flag they held still flying
With dignity so blest
Our heroes of the many wars
Have given all their best

Bow your heads in silence
For those who are not here
Remember all those living
Their courage we revere.

~ Francine Pucillo~ 

All hearts are joined together
Although you're far away
Our thoughts are always with you
We bow our heads and pray

That you will see the Angels
We asked the Lord to send
That they will now protect you
From day break 'til day ends

We know that you feel burdened
I'm sure you feel alone
But love of all is with you
Each heart of ours you own

Our spirits joined together
Our hands are folded tight
Looking up to heaven
May love shine on you bright

While you are not with us
You serve a foreign land
We pray you feel the comfort
Of a gentle Angel's hand

Know that God has sent them
With only you in mind
Wings and gentle breezes
By God this love designed.

~ Francine Pucillo ~

Sammy and Meowmie 2021

As reverent prayers have all been said
Hearts are gathered in their stead
Offering our heartfelt praise
For every Soldier's courage raised

No fear of death for freedom's reign
So constant is their heart's refrain
For God and Country and all I love
I give the soul that you speak of

These words repeated through the years
With rivers filled with all our tears
We bow our heads with grateful pause
Our heroes cast a shadow tall

Each day they march with heads held high
And we all bow as they walk by
For we have learned in many ways
No greater love in life displays

Courage born of brave and might
In every battle through each fight
Their sacrifice so great to give
For Freedom's Light to always live.

~ Francine Pucillo

Throughout the years of history's story

Our soldiers stand in wondrous glory

Of every war they've fought with pride

To stand for truth all side by side

 

To march in battles we have won

To stand with courage all as one

With colors bright of great appeal

Our soldiers through our life reveal

 

They are the champions of each cause

They stand and fight and give their all

No matter what the danger there

They forge ahead while we're aware

 

That freedom reigns for everyone

Because of all that they have done

To make us one and keep us strong

One Nation proud that they belong

 

Each one our child that makes us say

So grateful that you came our way

For you're the ones who keep us free

With constant quote "We'll always be"

 

Thank you for the time you gave

For all the love our hearts will save

With all our soldiers then and now

You gave us courage with your vow

 

To honor serve and do your best

With pride and courage we are blest

So here's to you and all you gave

Our hero's hearts in constant wave

 

Names all etched within a place

Throughout the ages all embraced

Standing tall through every fight

We see their glow of "Freedom's Light."

~ Francine Pucillo(c) ~

CHECK OUT OUR OLD MEMORIAL DAY PAGES BELOW:
Memorial Day 2021
Memorial Day 2020
Memorial Day 2019
Memorial Day 2018
Memorial Day 2017
Memorial Day 2016
Memorial Day 2015
Memorial Day 2014
Memorial Day 2013
Memorial Day 2012
Memorial Day 2011
Memorial Day 2010

History of Memorial Day

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. It began during the Civil War when organized women's groups in several towns throughout the South decorated the graves of the Confederate war dead with flowers, wreaths and flags. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5th, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day to remember those who have died in our nation's service. After the Civil war many people in the North and South decorated graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. In the Spring of 1866, Henry C. Welles, a druggist in the village of Waterloo, NY, suggested that the patriots who had died in the Civil War should be honored by decorating their graves. General John B. Murray, Seneca County Clerk, embraced the idea and a committee was formed to plan a day devoted to honoring the dead. Townspeople made wreaths, crosses and bouquets for each veteran's grave. The village was decorated with flags at half mast. On May 5 of that year, a processional was held to the town's cemeteries, led by veterans. The town observed this day of remembrance on May 5 of the following year as well.

Decoration Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed officially on May 30, 1868. The South did not observe Decoration Day, preferring to honor their dead on separate days until after World War I. In 1882, the name was changed to Memorial Day, and soldiers who had died in other wars were also honored.

In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be held on the last Monday in May. Today, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in the United States. It is still a time to remember those who have passed on, whether in war or otherwise. It also is a time for families to get together for picnics, ball games, and other early summer activities.

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The occasion is also marked in almost every State on the last Monday in May. Several southern states, however, have an additional, separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.