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)

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