Memorial Day 2012

First and foremost, I am thankful for our freedom and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure it.  Most of us think of memorial day as the start of summer, and I must admit that today was a picture perfect summer day.

This day in history "Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all."

Woke up and decided to go for run.  Even at 9am it was starting to get hot and humid.  4 miles today.

Grabbed some bagels for breakfast.

Took the kayak out of its wrapper and gave it a test drive.

After lunch Luke and I went to Sayville to try our luck crabbing.  The beach area crowded, but no one crabbing on the dock.  It is a .little early in the season.  Luke does catch one nice blue claw crab...it becomes a snack.

Grilled chicken and some pulled pork for dinner.

After dinner a quick bike ride on the orange trail at Sans Suci.  We did not get lost, although Luke took a nice spill in a sand pit...

Back home for some more time in the pool.  A night swim.    Followed by watermelon and some lazy time watching TV.

Life is good in America.  Life is good in Holbrook.  Thanks to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in our military to ensure our freedoms.

Photo of the day "Kayak"