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Memorial Day

SnuggHarbor reminds us that today is Memorial Day in America, our good neighbors to the south of us.

Memorial Day, now celebrated on the last Monday in May, was traditionally observed on May 30th. This day, originally set aside to honor Soldiers who fell during the Civil War (on both sides), was expanded to honor all service members from all our battles. We all have known Grandfathers, Uncles, Fathers, Brothers, Sons, (and a number of Grandmothers, Aunts, Mothers, Sisters, and Daughters as well) who are at eternal rest, having given their last full measure of devotion, to protect and defend that which they held most dear. This poem (one of my favorites), perhaps the one most often used in expressing the spirit and general tone this day should convey... IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. In Flanders Fields was written by John McCrae (1872-1918). He is remembered for what is probably the single best-known and popular poem from the war, "In Flanders Fields." He was a Canadian physician and fought on the Western Front in 1914, but was then transferred to the medical corps and assigned to a hospital in France. He died of pneumonia while on active duty in 1918. There are any number of ways to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day: Take time out of your weekend (specifically on Monday) to visit one of the local cemeteries in your city or town. And pay your respects to those who have are at rest there. Perhaps you could even plant a small flag if you so desire in their honor. The "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution, (passed on Dec 2000) asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps." When you see the American Legion handing out "poppies", usually in front of a grocery store, Wal-Mart, or perhaps in the local shopping mall, stop- shake their hand, and donate to their efforts in keeping the spirit of Memorial Day alive.

Also worth noting seeing as this post is about 'rememberance of our fallen', actor Eddie Albert died at age 99 just prior to Memorial Day.

Albert was a Lt(jg) in the Navy and served his country valiantly being awarded the following Bronze Star Citation.

During the Battle of Tarawa on Nov. 21, 1943, LTJG Edward A. Heimberger, boat officer on board attack transport USS Sheridan (APA 51), pulled Marines from the beaches and surf to waiting personnel on USS Schroeder (DD 501). For this, actor LTJG "Eddie Albert" Heimberger was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, presented during ceremonies held Oct. 13 at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. The citation, presented by Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton, states that Heimberger "was responsible for leading certain elements of the amphibious assault craft to their designated landing sites on the beach. In the midst of one of the bloodiest battles of the war, LTJG Heimberger organized and initiated the removal of both the dead and wounded from the lagoon. He gathered three other landing craft to assist in the effort which resulted in saving many lives." More than 40 Marines and soldiers, both the dead and wounded, were recovered as a result of his actions, witnessed by Sailors on the Schroeder who took the rescued on board.


The picture to the left links to the Internet Movie Database where there is information available about the movie and its long cast of stars.

Eddie Albert is remembered on film in countless movies, one of my favourites being 'The Longest Day' which I shall post about in the coming months.