Archive for May, 2009

I began to think about Memorial Day this year about a week ago. I wanted to remember to wear my Dad’s Air Force wings. Actually, I have one set and my brother has the other as my dad passed away about 10 years ago. I usually wear them in honor of his service to our nation and as a memorial to me of just how much he loved his country. He was just about to graduate from officer’s candidate school as a navigator when the war ended. He never saw battle but he taught all of us that there are things greater than we are, things important enough to lay down your life for. To paraphrase General Douglas McArthur, things like, “duty, honor, and country”. He was ready to go to war. He had settled it in his heart. He would say things that we (my brothers and I) thought were corny like, “it’s better to die for freedom than to live under tyranny.” That was World War II, the generation that still believed in America, those who are called today “The Greatest Generation”.

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Jewels have been prized adornments for thousands of years, and they grace every grand crown in royalty. Throughout history each precious gemstone has been given different value and symbolic meaning. The most valuable and sentimental stone is the white diamond.  Often used in engagement and anniversary rings, it signifies commitment, excellence, faith, joy, life and love. The sapphire, my favorite, represents calmness, constancy, purity and truth. The emerald gemstone conveys rebirth, hope, peace and tranquility. The ruby signifies, beauty, clarity, dignity, and happiness. Our mothers are like these stones, unique, valuable, and beautiful.

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