Photo: D. Paul Graham, Broad Strips and Bright Stars, Hardeeville, SC

“Monday 5 Things” ™ ….. Taps, Flags, & Numbers  …..

Whether you are working or spending the day off with family and friends, today is about remembering. A day to remember and reflect with gratitude the men and women who gave their lives defending these United States of America. In 2000, the US Congress established the ‘National Moment of Remembrance’, asking Americans to pause at 3:00 pm in a show of national unity during Memorial Day. Across America today at 3:00 pm, tens of thousands of musicians will play in one of the largest musical performances of all time – “Taps Across America” – to remember those men and women who gave everything for our freedom. M5T starts this Memorial Day with remembrance, thankfulness, and the words of Commanders in Chiefs.

1. Number 35

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy

2. Number 40

“…And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.” ~ Ronald Regan

3. Number 33

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” ~ Harry S. Truman

4. Number 32

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

5. Number 20

“For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” ~ James A. Garfield

Here’s to a day of taking time to reflect on the meaning behind the American flag and pausing with gratitude at 3 pm for those who paid the ultimate price while fighting for our liberty.

© 2022 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 10 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T ™.  Each Monday, Paul shares his observations, thoughts and passions on people, life, and culture.

You can find M5T each Monday here on www.southmag.com and by friending D. Paul Graham on Facebook. Paul is a contributing photographer to South Magazine. His photographic work can also be found on Instagram @dpgraham and at www.imageGRAHAM.com . Your feedback is always welcome. Email Paul at dpg@imagegraham.com