memorial day.

when you combine church and state...
when you watch the young, remembering those who are passed on...
bugles, patriotic music, friends, sadness, pancakes, hope, and gratitude.
it is beautiful.
i am grateful to live in this free land.
the flag that was hung had last been folded at the funeral of an elderly man in our ward.
i watched his sweet widow, standing a bit removed from the crowd, with tears running down her cheeks.
it touched me.
when the young scout first pulled the flag up into the sky, a wind came and blew it open-- i imagined that was sweet brother ashcroft saying hello.

happy memorial day!
may we always remember.

here is a pretty great commencement speech- Reasons for Optimism in Today's World.
i think it's a good perspective check.
as far as history goes-- we are pretty lucky!

ps- thanks for all of your sweet comments on my contention post.
it seems that more people are comfortable emailing than commenting...
i'm going to take off the word verification and see if that makes it a little easier to comment.
anyway-- thank you for all your sweet emails.
it made my day!