“Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. “
Adlai Stevenson
Category Archives: memorial day
Washington Glass School Wishes All A Peaceful Memorial Day
One of the fused glass panels made for the new Laurel Library public artwork.
To many, Memorial Day, the federal U.S. holiday that takes place every year on the last Monday of May, is just another excuse for a three-day weekend. It’s also known as the day that marks the official start of summer and as a day devoted to getting great deals at the mall. However, the true meaning of Memorial Day goes far beyond barbecues and mattress sales.
The holiday began after the Civil War, and at that time was known as “Decoration Day.” While it was originally founded to honor the soldiers who died in the Civil War, today, Memorial Day is a day to honor all of the Americans who have died in military service.
Patriotic Americans should take a moment from their day of celebration and leisure to reflect on the brave sacrifices of those who have given their lives for this great nation.
Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. George Washington
Memorial Day
Stephen Beardsell; cast glass, 14″ x 14″ x 1.5″, 2009
In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
Stephen Beardsell describing his process of reverse imagery glass casting to workshop audience at the Washington Glass School, June 2009.
Memorial Day
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The Good Soldier by Michael Janis
2005, fused glass powder imagery
In
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
“In Flanders Fields” is one of the most notable poems written about World War 1. Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote it in May 1915, after he witnessed the death of his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, 22 years old, the day before.
In 1918, inspired by the poem, Moina Michael replied with her own poem:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.