Memorial Day 2009 – Prayer and Thanksgiving
Well, I thought I would some more about dating and helping single boomers out. And then I just decided that the Observance of Memorial Day was too important. Indeed the Baby Boomer generation to whom I focus so much of my services has been so deeply impacted by war, the Vietnam War predominately that I simply had to devote today’s blog post to it.
Now mind you, it is not Rememberance Day. As I recall the history of Memorial Day was that when it became a Federal holiday, the Confederate War was still not too distant a memory. Memorial Day is specifically to honor those who gave their lives ON FOREIGN soils. Not here. Many Americans after 9/11 will still honor those who gave them here. I’m including the Confederate Soldier’s Prayer because I always thought it beautiful. And perhaps because Jim was a Southern man (my late husband).
It’s been years since I’ve seen a Memorial Day parade. I remember them as a little girl.
Confederate Soldier’s Prayer
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for
- but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.
Found on the body of a Southern soldier
1861-1865
Shower the people you love with love.
Show them the way that you feel.
Things will work out much better if you only will.
God bless. America and other countries as well. 
April Braswell
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for this moving tribute to those who have given their all so that we can live peacefully and in freedom. May their sacrifice – and that of their families – never be in vain.
This poem is a favorite of mine. A friend actually wrote out the whole thing in my high school (senior) year book. I’ve often reread the words over the years and still continue to find them powerful and moving.
Pam
http://www.greatwealth.com
Thank you April
Bob Kaufer
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April, I don’d know if I could have said it any better than you. All of us tend to forget or push this sort of thing out our mind because we don’t wnat to think about it. Thanks.
Christian Haller
Healthy Italian Recipes
Very nice. Thanks April.
Anthony
The Most Powerful Personal Growth and Mind Development Tool on Earth
Thanks for all that. And I love the James Taylor touch at the end.
Lynn
Warrior Of Success Training
I think that there is often a benefit to quiet reflection and being thankful for what has happened in the past.
Thanks April.
Philip Graves
from the author of “The Secret of Selling: How to Sell to Your Customer’s Unconscious Mind”
April,
People may forget what we say, but they never forget how we make them feel!
John Ho
Numerology Expert Helps Understanding Personality for Better Influence & Persuasion
Thanks April. This is a beautiful prayer.
JJ Jalopy.
Author of the finest e-mail newsletter in the land
April,
Thank you for that post.
Health, Fitness — Darryl Pace
Thank You April for sharing
Duane
Super-ADVANCED Persuasion Techniques
Thank you for the post.
Steve Chambers, The Sales Expert
Great tribute. Southern Boys rock.
Don Shepherd
Central Oregon Camphiker
Touching poem. I think I’ve heard it before. I’ll have to read that one to my children. We always observe Memorial day and its true meaning.
Lisa McLellan, Babysitting Services – Babysitters, Nannies, and Au-pairs
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