MEMORIAL DAY
(Recipe: Strawberry Smoothie)

We are celebrating Memorial Day Weekend – but what exactly does that mean. For many it is a weekend with an extra day off from work. It is a time of watching the Indy 500 race, enjoying a BBQ with family and friends, perhaps a day at the beach – or just plan relaxing.

As a little girl growing up in Illinois I remember Memorial Day (or Independence Day) as being a day to celebrate the many who gave their lives for our country. Our little town would host a big parade to honor both the living hero’s and the deceased. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the military – all marched proudly through our city streets. As a Girl Scout I enjoyed this march, smiling and waving my American flag as we walked by the crowds of people, who cheered enthusiastically. The parade would end at our county cemetery where a moving ceremony was held. Poppy flowers, a symbol of the day, were seen all over our city. Many proudly wore them in their hair or tucked into their lapel.

At the conclusion of our parade, and ceremony, families gathered at our local park where we united in a picnic with neighbors, friends and strangers (who fast became our friend). As folks gathered around the table, the men told tales of their days in battle, while children listened with fascination at what they were hearing. Truly, Memorial Day (and the sacrifice) was understood by all.

Before the evening would conclude, a favorite hymn was shared by all. Perhaps a hymn we don’t sing much anymore, but one that is still dear to me (and perhaps to you as well).

MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord,
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored,
He hath loosed the fateful lighting of His terrible swift sword –
His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps –
His day is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never sound retreat
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
O be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant my feet!
Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me;
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,
While God is marching on.

Glory! glory, hallelujah! Glory! glory, hallelujah!
Glory! glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

As you celebrate your Memorial Day Weekend, please remember those who have sacrificed their lives so that we can celebrate our freedom.

STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

1 cup fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled (or frozen strawberries, partially thawed
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup frozen cranberry juice concentrate
2 ice cubes, crushed
1 tsp. sugar

Combine strawberries, buttermilk, cranberry concentrate and crushed ice in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth and frothy. Sweeten with sugar (if desired). Serve immediately