A DAY OF REVERENCE AND REMEMBRANCE

THE LAST MONDAY IN MAY is not only the most somber of holidays it is also the unofficial start of Summer. Although the weather may not be cooperating, warmer days are surely ahead. For some it is the first chance to get out of the house and enjoy the sunshine, for others a chance to cut the grass yet again.

Arguably we know that Memorial Day is observed more so than celebrated. That is not to say that we should not gather in festive or joyous locales, quite the opposite. We do so all the while keeping in mind the more than 1 million American souls lost to the hell that is war. Whether we are burning hotdogs, traveling to visit grandma, watching the Indy 500, or doing any of the uniquely American things we do, we do so because of the ultimate sacrifice made by others.

I feel very fortunate to live in one of the most patriotic areas in the country with no shortage of sacred ground. Hampton Roads has over 1,000 historical markers and war memorials dating back as far as the Revolutionary War. While it is impossible to visit all of them there is certainly ample opportunity to pause at a few and give our respects to those who fell unable to return to the home of the brave. The liberties we have in this country are certainly unusual in the world today but even more rare in the annuls of history. It was P. McCree Thornton who penned, “For those who fight for it freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know.” The removing of hats, rising to our feet and placing the hand over the heart is but a small gesture we give to those that we will never meet but all relish in the freedom that their sacrifice helped to preserve.

Brothers with unique artistic styles and abilities, Todd and Eric Lindbergh are a force in the mural industry. Painting 40 years and over 3,000 murals, they continue to surprise their clients with exciting and innovative ideas. Creating murals for both public and private enterprises, Todd and Eric pride themselves most on their tribute murals painted for the military, police, and firefighters.

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