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Memorial Day Purrs of Gratitude

If you love cats, sharing makes us purrrr :-)

Happy Memorial Day to our American readers and Memorial Day Purrs of Gratitude. Today at Cat Wisdom 101, we remember and thank all the men, women, and animals for their service to protect our liberty and freedom. (updated 2023).

As an ex-pat Canadian, U.S. resident with E.U. Finnish citizenship, I’ve been reflecting on world politics and the value of democracy. It’s easy to take for granted the freedom of living in a country with rights until they are removed. We live in a volatile world where anything is possible. Every citizen living in a democracy needs to know they have the power to make a difference.

Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day. It began after the Civil War as a day to place wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers. Wreaths and lowers are still placed by graves and public memorials but the holiday gradually changed to the unofficial kick-off to summer.

kick of to summer-memorial day cats

 

That translates to family time, BBQs, beach, ice cream, sun cream and flip-flop weather. For some, it means just another long weekend but remember, our rights and freedom aren’t free. We all know someone who lost their lives during military service. They might be a family member, relative, friend or distant ancestor, so pause and honor them for their a sacrifice in the name of freedom.

We’re sharing Memorial Day Purrs of Gratitude with new Cat Wisdom 101 graphics and few photos from past Memorial Day posts since the holiday always falls on Mondays. Our Mancat Monday will resume next week. In the meantime, join us daily on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, On Instagram @catwisdom101 & BlackCatsofIg Tell us what you have planned today? Any beach days or BBQ yet? We had our first campfire cooking dinner recently. So good.

Since were down to one cat, Odin, I’m feeling extra nostalgic for past Memorial Days. This time last year, Nou Nou loving the garden with newfound curiosity amid the honeysuckle by the lilac trees. Odin and Nou Nou celebrated their birthdays on June 1st which won’t be the same this year. But I have something special planned, you’ll love seeing.

What is remembered lives in our hearts forever.I was cleaning up our cat memorial garden and really missed Clyde. Funny how that happens. Grief, whether for humans or animals has its unique trajectory. I found an old photo of me and Clyde. I never posted it because I felt tired and sad with Clyde ill with diabetes and CKD. But with seen now through the passage of time, I feel different. It’s a sweet memory. I miss that big black head!

Pet loss quote-Layla Morgan Wilde with Clyde

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The always noble, Angel Merlin on Memorial Day with the U.S. and POW-MIA flags

 

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Domino the cat celebrates Memorial Day wishes and freedom for all.

Odin says stars and stripes furever.

 

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Odin the cat on Meowmorial Day

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Happy Memorial Day from Layla, Odin & the ever growing legion of Angels

35 Comments

  • Karen Lucas

    Thank you so much for the memories. My last old kitty died in February. I am almost 85 and without a cat for the first time since my 20’s♥️

    • Elaine Hutzelmaan

      I can identify with your remark completely,as I grew up with my first cat in 1952. I have had anywhere from 1-3 at the same time my entire life except while attending college. Only one was obtained from a cat show and the rest ftom shelters or strays or semi ferals who found me. I lost a 16 year old to thromboembolism in 1921 and one to lymphoma in 1922, I’m a senior as well and will either be a foster or adopt a seniorat least since it’s been over a year and I’ve been depressed without a soulmate and the holes in my heart long to be filled.

  • Amy Harlib

    WOW – all these great comments about a wonderful post! I cherish the memories of every cat in my life and have mementos of each one that I can look at and touch daily.

    I honor and salute everyone who has served our country.

    Purrs and Blessings!

  • Jude Fera

    Late Memorial Day greeting to all cat lovers. We all have different kinds of memorials for our cats who have passed on, but the dearest memorials are your memories of them that you keep in your hearts and minds. As long as you remember, there is always a path back to those good days together.

  • meowmeowmans

    We are so grateful each and every day for those heroes who gave their lives so that we could have the freedoms we enjoy. We hope you had a meaningful Memorial Day, dear friends.

  • Skeeter And Izzy

    We are so very grateful for all who have given their lives for us. We are so very grateful for all those that serve our country every day. We are nothing without those that give all to us.
    We are thankful for our freedom and all of the things we are allowed to enjoy in our lives. We celebrate the gift that each member of the service (human and animal alike) has given, gives today and will continue to give. We give them honor and respect and gratitude.
    Thank you for the wonderful post!
    Luvs
    Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo & the Angels >^..^^..^<~

  • Pipo/Minko/MrJackFreckles

    We remembered before we catabrated…petcretary is also a Canadian now living here in the USA past 30 years. This isn’t a holiday there, and we seem to do this on Remembrance Day in November, sort of combining both the sacrificial heroes and the living veterans. Petcretary has oft worked with veterans in her jobs in healthcare. Those men and not a few women are a precious endearing group, and they all have stories to tell…the good the bad and the ugly…they for sure deserve our time and thanks, big thanks. Petcretay could about write a book of the many memoirs she has heard from these peeps…and she could shed tears at some of her own memories of them too.

    Some of her uncles served in military positions in WW11, and in other wars too. Some were in the Underground, all of them in Dutch service. Her Dad was a bit young…but he falsified his papers so he would not be picked up by the Germans…and because his family said one son in active duty was enough, and another in the underground. Our Oma’s family also had uncles serving in various ways. When you go and see the cemeteries in Europe for the military of Canada and US service men it is moving to say the least. We live near Fort Custer, Michigan and right now there are thousands of flags placed on the graves there, what a sight. Our unfurbros used to help with placing them when they were in Middle and Highschool.

    • Layla Morgan Wilde

      Purrs for your thoughtful comment. I forgot you were an ex-pat too! More to love and love to you all xo

  • Chris Davis

    Thank you for your beautiful words and lovely photos, Layla! Sending love to you and your family on this day of remembrance. xoxo…Chris

  • ellen

    I am so glad you included the history. Being on the older side I remember when it was called decoration day and we were taught in school what it meant. Memorial Day isnt meant to be ‘happy’ it is a time of reflection. I even recall before it became another 3 days weekend.
    My Mom and Dad were both Korean War vets (the forgotten war) and it was our Mom mostly who made us aware. We met Mrs Sullivan, and our town is where the 5 lived. There are several memorials to them .
    It is nice to see Merlin and the rest of the gang !

  • Kathryn

    Merlin from above, giving us Meowmemorials

    And the earthling cats, celebrating.

    Enjoy this day, Layla. I love your posts, and always look forward to them.

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