BLUE MONDAY - ANOTHER BLUE DAY TO REMEMBER

 

Please visit Sally at Smiling Sally for Blue Monday.  If you are in love with the color blue, don't miss a visit to Sally's blog today.

Thank you Sally for our Blue Monday fun.

 

                   WILL YOU WEAR BLUE???
                                International Picture of the Year
                                Here are two very touching photos honored this year
                    First Place :

 

                                
                         FIRST PLACE WINNER
                                 Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
                                
                                 When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport , Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.
                                
                                 During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport , Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'

SECOND PLACE WINNER

 

 
                                               
                                Second Place
                                 Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
                                The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted'

   ANOTHER BLUE DAY                               
     Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
                                
                                 Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is .'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.
          
                          Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
                                1.  Jesus Christ
                                2.  The American G. I.
                                
                                   One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

                   I know this is sad but we as Americans need to be reminded that our armed forces give all of themselves to keep America safe and free.             

           God bless our soldiers and America

Blessings,

JEANNE           

                

    
    

Comments

[bj]

Hi, sister friend, I have seen both these photos several times and each time, they bring tears to my eyes and an ache to my heart.

I do hope you are doing much better with your eyes.
I think of you so often.:)
xo bj

[Beverly]

Immensely poignant. There are times in our lives that stay with us forever. These are some of those times.

Love to you, dear friend.

[Connie]

Tears are rolling down my cheeks because I'm married to a retired Marine and he'd be weeping also if he saw those photos. My heart goes out to every single one of them who have paid the dearest price imaginable to keep our country safe - so far - from invasion. My only hope is that it is kept free, sugar! Thank YOU!!!
xoxo,
Connie

[Sally]

You brought me to tears, Jeanne, but they're tears of pride to live in this land.

I did not know about this wearing of blue on Friday. Thanks for sharing.

Happy Blue Monday. I'm still praying for your restoration to good health.

[Shelia]

Oh, Jeanne, these photos really touch my heart. I've never seen them before. I didn't know about wearing blue on Fridays either and that is something I will try to do from now on.
Sounds like you and your family had a wonderful party! Hope you took lots of photos.
Well, you little southern Yankee, you! :) I just think this history is so important and we need to keep it alive since so many want make it into something it wasn't. How wonderful you have stories. I wish I had thought to ask my grandmother about things when I was younger. I guess when we're younger we think we'll live forever. :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

[Nostalgic Marveling]

These really touched my heart as my husband has just retired from the Navy. My prayer for those who have lost their loved ones serving the country.

[Becky K.]

Amen! It is beyond my comprehension the pain and pride that mixes within our military families. What a gift the entire family of the enlisted gives to the rest of us.

[Donnie]

Amen. Lest we forget......We will be wearing blue on Fridays.

[Anne Fannie]

Hi Jeanne
That second pictures brings tears to my eyes everytime I see it. So sad!!
Hugs, Ann

[racheld]

I have no words for this. Bless Them All.

[Kim,USA]

I am sorry but can't stare these photos it breaks my heart. ^_^
Blue Monday

[Susie Hinson]

I remind people constantly of the gratitude we owe to our service members and their families and ask them to pray for these precious souls. As the wife of a retired Army officer, the daughter of a retired Army officer and the daughter-in-law of a retired Army officer, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[eye lift]

This is such deserve to be a winner and stay at first place. It has nice concept and the author has good sensibility to tell a story.

[facial surgery]

I just think that this history is so important, we need to keep it alive, because so many want to make it what it is not. You have a wonderful story. I wish I had thought to ask what my grandmother was young.

[Discount Oakley Sunglasses]

edge of a small body on his palms, grabbing a small brow, said: "Mama said to eat no matter what