Sunday, May 24, 2009

From Sea to Shining Sea

Memorial Mosaic
For all our brothers and sisters,
who cared more about their country than themselves....
Today, and always, I am remembering
my father, grandfather and uncles:
Col. A.R. Ives  
LTC A.R. Ives, Jr.
Col. R.N. Ives
Col. Y.Y. Phillips

And every, single patriot this country has known.

O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,
for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
America!  America! God mend thine every flaw,
confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years
thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears!
America!  America! God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

Words: Katherine Lee Bates (1859-1929)
Music: Materna, Samuel Augustus Ward (1848-1903)
sing it....I dare you not to cry
And when you're finished, go here, and play along with Mosaic Monday.
If I can do it, so can you;)

30 comments:

pam said...

Love this post...so much we take for granted.

Four Paws and Co said...

This is so beautiful! ♥ Diane

abb said...

You have a lot to be proud of.

(Crying now.)

Country Girl said...

Beautiful. From the heart. Have a wonderful holiday with your family.

Unknown said...

I'm sure your father, grandfather and uncles are proudly smiling down on you.

God bless our men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free.

Susan English Mason said...

Oh, Mama, this gave me chills. Thank you for this heartfelt post.

Sassy said...

I can't do it without crying...what a beautiful post! I have missed you in the last few days....reading your posts and you visiting mine...have a great and memorable Memorial Day!!!

shrink on the couch said...

Kathy Bates wrote that? Really? In all seriousness, what a legacy you have before you.

Sally's World said...

this is beautiful, it bouoght tears to my eyes, and made me realise how lucky i really am!

Mango Girl said...

Beautiful...

Peace and Blessings,
xo

Linda said...

This is the day to remember, unless you remember a lot more days during the year. Our military have kept us safe for so many years.

They have also been a life saver for many other countries in the world.

Thanks for the post. I'm going to have to put on a CD with the patriotic music!

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Wonderful post. Freedom is not free.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Beautiful; simply beautiful.

Lisa said...

Doesn't it just make your heart swell with pride knowing you have family that served this great country? but it sure makes me sad to see where we are today after reading the song, I just feel our forefathers would be disappointed in us. I am so thankful for the soliders who serve, men and women. The sacrifices are great, and I for one am very grateful! Have a wonderful weekend.

Decadent Housewife said...

Wishing you a wonderful holiday.

Donalyn said...

Amen Mama P! Loved the photos from the NYC visit - looks like you guys had a great time.

imom said...

Very nice!!

Daryl said...

Thanks to all who have served and continue to serve to protect us all.. may they come home safely and soon

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Wonderful post. I stop and think about the soldiers every day and am thankful for their sacrifice every minute I breathe this free air.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Perfection....it couldn't be any better.
Thanks
Becky

Joyce said...

Thank you for honoring the soldiers.
joyce (army Mom)

Mary said...

So beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing such a wonderful tribute. Enjoy your day! :)

Vee said...

Loved the sea of flags and the patriotic sentiments!

Snooty Primadona said...

Well said. Where would we be today without all of their sacrifices? Scary thought...

Kathy said...

This is such a beautiful mosaic, Kathy.

Suz Broughton said...

Beautiful tribute!

Becky K. said...

Very beautiful in appearance and sentiment.

Thank You!

Keetha said...

Thank you. That gave me cold chills.

Anonymous said...

Lovely post, Mama... and great remembrances.

Together We Save said...

Beautiful powerful picture.