Hello, book-loving friends-- I don't think an apology is in order for the mention at the end of this newsletter of one of my books on sale. You've come to expect that, and we all enjoy saving money. But I saved my missive for today because it's special, and I apologize in advance for the length of it. Once I get going on family, I do go on.
It's Memorial Day, and I have good wishes to offer you. And then some. I'm an Air Force brat. The older I get, the sharper my long-term memory becomes, and I remember vividly those parades on the flight line on Armed Forces Day, my heart soaring with the crash of jets breaking the sound barrier. Memorial Day is special. I've been interested in ancestry for a long time, but in recent years, growing a family tree online has become a hobby.
I was born in Virginia. My mother's roots on both sides go way way back, where I've discovered grandfathers (many times great) serving in the American Revolution. I have at least one War of 1812 ancestor, uniformed grandfathers in the Civil War, and many more soldiers. including Daddy's father, who was a career officer in the cavalry--a real horse soldier--who served in the Spanish American War. Daddy was a WWII paratrooper, and my brother served in Viet Nam. I think we can all agree on at least one fact about war. It's tragic.
We set aside days of remembrance for those who serve now and have served in the past, but whether we're related to military life or not, we think of our soldiers with gratitude, especially in the presence of a military cemetery with its orderly rows of identical markers, the flag flying high. My parents grandparents and many other relatives are buried at Arlington. Another very moving sight for me is St. Elizabeth's Cemetery at Standing Rock Lakota Nation, where a profusion of American flags stand high and proud on days like this, and I remember the words, "Where have all the flowers gone? Gone for soldiers...long time passing...when will we ever learn?" And yet, but for the soldiers, how would there be this land wherein we might, if we dedicate ourselves, all be equal, all be related? We can honor our soldiers every day by being "all that we can be" in our own lives.
And now the pitch for my May sale--through the 31st--on NIGHT FALLS LIKE SILK ( http://tinyurl.com/eaglenfls ) in e-format for $.99 . It's the sequel to THE NIGHT REMEMBERS, available in e-format for $2.99. You can find links to online retailers at www.kathleeneagle.com. Enjoy this day of remembrance! And, as always, Happy Reading.
