Saturday, May 25, 2013

THE IMPORTANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY - Lena Nelson Dooley - Three Free PDF File Books

My mother died when I was seven years old. After that, we went to the cemetery every Memorial Day to put a flower arrangement on my mother's grave. It was the only way we celebrated the day. You have to know that was over six decades ago, and we lived outside a small rural community in northwest Arkansas. We didn't have parades or other kinds of celebrations. And one reason for Memorial Day is to remember those you have lost ... from your family.

As time went on, Memorial Day grew in a lot of ways. I really like the deeper meanings that have been added to my family's celebration. We do remember family members who have gone on before us, but we also remember all those who laid down their lives to protect our freedoms.

It grieves my heart that there are forces at work in the United States right now that are trying to take away most of those freedoms. If we allow that to happen, we are mocking the memory of those brave men and women who lost their lives defending us.

And I like the aspect of Memorial Day where we honor those who have served in the military and are still with us. In my immediate family, I celebrate these people who served honorably:

My father: Ben Nelson, who is now deceased.
My husband: James Dooley.
My son-in-law: Eric Waldron.
My grandson: Timothy Van Zant, who currently serves.

Thank you for your service. You are often in my prayers.

Usually, our family gets together to have a cookout and fun together. But this year, my married granddaughter and her husband are moving, so James will be helping them most of the day. I'm not sure what else will happen, but in all the business of the weekend we will take the time to remember.

How will your family spend Memorial Day?

As a way to celebrate this year, I am giving away one PDF file of each of my McKenna's Daughters Series books.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Maggie's Journey (McKenna's Daughters)
Mary's Blessing (McKenna's Daughters)
Catherine's Pursuit (McKenna's Daughters)

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free PDF copy of one of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

16 comments:

sharon m. said...

I would LOVE to win all three PDF copies of your books! They look to right down my alley and I read they are about 3 sisters- how clever. sharon, CA

Linda Kish said...

I'm going to spend my day reading. I'd love to read your books.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Lourdes said...

Cool giveaway would love to win. Thank you so much.

Lourdes in Long Island, NY

Cindy W. said...

We'll be spending a quite day at home with family remembering our loved ones that have passed.

Thank you for the giveaway Lena.

Have a blessed Memorial Day.

Smiles from Indiana,
Cindy W.

countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

We will have three separate winners, and the winners can choose which PDF file they want.

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read one of your wonderful novels

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Mama Cat said...

Lena, thank you for sharing some of your precious memories - and your hope for the future of our country! My father used to call this Decoration Day. Thank you for the opportunity to win Catherine's Pursuit! Jeanie in Arizona

Shopgirl said...

I'll be spending Memorial Day with my family. Thanks for the giveaways! I'm in MN.

Unknown said...

I will be spending the holiday with a picnic/cookout with my family at Spring Mill State Park which is only a couple of miles from my house. It has a pioneer village and activities such as a visit from "Abe Lincoln". After that, I have other things that need my attention at home such as finishing an MBA assignment. Thanks so much for giving your books away.

By the way, I live in Indiana.

Unknown said...

I will be spending the holiday with a picnic/cookout with my family at Spring Mill State Park which is only a couple of miles from my house. It has a pioneer village and activities such as a visit from "Abe Lincoln". After that, I have other things that need my attention at home such as finishing an MBA assignment. Thanks so much for giving your books away.

By the way, I live in Indiana.

Heidi Reads... said...

My husband is NRA-certified to shoot cannons so we will be watching him participate in the Memorial Day services at Fort Rosecrans by firing the cannon. It makes the holiday more meaningful to us when we can attend a commemoration.

Heidi, CA

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Karen K, Mama Cat, Veronica, thanks for stopping by on this holiday weekend.

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Deanna and Heidi, your plans for the holiday sound wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in the pdf giveaway for your books. Our family is relaxing together and enjoying spending time together at home this weekend.
Brittany M (TX)

Ginger Solomon said...

We do not "celebrate", but I make sure to take a moment to thank God for all of those who have served or are serving.

Ginger in AL

Kristie said...

I already have a nook book of "Maggie's Journey" but I would love one of the other two please. On Memorial Day I remember the son-in-law of a good friend who was killed in Iraq. He had a three month old baby he never saw. It was devastating. So I remember him and some members of my family. Some gave all. I am so grateful for their service and dedication every day. Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.