Forty years ago today I was where I didn't want to be. Twenty years ago when I created this cover, I was where I wanted to be, and just beginning to feel like I could become WHO I wanted to be. Following along with the theme for Postcard Friendly Friday, hosted by Beth Niquette at the Best Hearts are Crunchy, I decided to remember not only my flag, but also a man who symbolizes the greatness of our country under the worst of conditions. Be sure to stop by and see what others are posting for Postcard Friendly Friday.
For all those who gave their all,
Eternal Rest Grant unto them, O Lord,
And let Eternal Light shine upon them.
May they Rest in Peace. Amen.
Please take a moment to remember why we have a Memorial Day.
I agree. In the Presidio in San Francisco overlooking the largest military cemetary west of the Mississippi is a spot where this poem by Marchibald Macleish is engraved:
ReplyDeleteTHE YOUNG DEAD SOLDIERS
for lieutenant Richard Meyers
The Young dead soldiers do not speak.
Nevertheless, the are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them?
They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts.
They say: We were young. We have died. Remember us.
They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done.
They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives
gave.
They say: Our deaths are not ours; they are yours; they will mean what you make them.
They say: Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope or for
nothing we cannot say; it is you who must say this.
They say: We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We have died. Remember us.
You can't stand there without welling up.
I think Eisenhower is overlooked as a president. Maybe his day will come.
ReplyDeleteHappy PFF.
Amen--what a moving tribute--and a wonderful postcard this is. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNot just for the postcard, but for all you have done for Freedom's sake. God bless you.
Wonderful cover ... well done. Beautiful post. I remember when Ike was president ... my mother took me to the polling place and when we came out I announced to all present *we voted for IKE*. My Mother was mortified ... ah, well. :D :D :D Happy PFF! And a special Memorial Day wish to you .....
ReplyDeleteI like how you have got movement into the cover with the flag. The Macliesh poem says it all.
ReplyDeleteMy first vote for president was for Ike. What a great man. Back in those days, you had to be 21 to vote so had to wait for a time for another election to come along. You wondered what my dad did - I think that he and his friend probably had been duck hunting. That and fishing were things he did forever. Mom cooked lots of ducks and fish, too. Loved the fish, hated wild duck. My life was simple growing up, but it was good, too. Happy PFF and have a good weekend. Carol
ReplyDeleteI have never made a maximum card myself, but I have a few that I have bought. One is a 6¢ Eisenhower commemorative from 1969 on a postcard of the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas.
ReplyDeleteThe only president I ever saw in person. My mother took me downtown Honolulu to see him drive by in a black convertible. It's set in my mind forever. A man whose wisdom has been too often overlooked. Wonderful image.
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ReplyDeleteI served under President Eisenhower (January 20, 1953 - January 20, 1961)mostly in Japan 1953-1956. I also admired his conduct of the Second World War; and that he put Montgomery in his place, in style, so much so that I think he believed he was in charge.
ReplyDeleteI deleted one comment that had my compliments about your drawing skills on it. Then added the post above as new and forgot to include it again.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job on your drawing of President Eisenhower.
Nice! Thank you for the great art and your service to this great country!
ReplyDeleteDave, I'm grateful that we can go to your blog to connect with you rather than a cemetery. Thanks for all you gave, lost, and endured for the sake of our country.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit to my post today about the Japanese lacquerware. I linked your comment up with you so some folks may be introduced to what you do.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dave.
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