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.

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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.

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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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35 Comments

Cat and Dog Chat With Caren

May 30, 2023 at 3:29 PM Reply

that photo of you is GORGEOUS!!!

Layla Morgan Wilde

June 1, 2023 at 4:37 PM Reply

oh Caren, you are such a sweet friend. Love you!

Ellen J Pilch

May 27, 2023 at 9:07 PM Reply

I enjoyed seeing many of your past kitties. All beautiful. XO

Karen Lucas

May 26, 2023 at 6:21 PM Reply

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

May 30, 2023 at 12:01 AM Reply

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

May 26, 2023 at 4:46 PM Reply

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!

Kathryn

May 28, 2018 at 9:35 AM Reply

And purrs again from Cheddar and I. Happy Memorial Day.

Jude Fera

June 2, 2017 at 3:39 PM Reply

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

May 31, 2017 at 10:44 PM Reply

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.

Layla Morgan Wilde

June 4, 2017 at 10:55 PM Reply

Thanks dear friends xoxo

Skeeter And Izzy

May 30, 2017 at 1:20 PM Reply

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 >^..^^..^<~

Layla Morgan Wilde

May 31, 2017 at 4:01 AM Reply

Thanks and purrs for stopping by as always xoxo

Tamago

May 30, 2017 at 7:24 AM Reply

Such a beautiful post and graphics. We remember those who sacrificed their lives for our rights and freedom. xo

Layla Morgan Wilde

May 31, 2017 at 3:58 AM Reply

Thanks dear friends and purrs to the boys xox

Pipo/Minko/MrJackFreckles

May 29, 2017 at 11:46 PM Reply

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

May 31, 2017 at 3:57 AM Reply

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

Layla Morgan Wilde

May 29, 2017 at 10:23 PM Reply

That is more thoughtful than saying happy. I think I’ll use new wording new year .

Ellen Pilch

May 29, 2017 at 9:04 PM Reply

Beautiful post for Memorial Day. Thank you for the sweet comment on the passing of my Snowball. XO

The Island Cats

May 29, 2017 at 6:32 PM Reply

Love these graphics! Happy Memorial Day!

Chris Davis

May 29, 2017 at 5:19 PM Reply

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

Maggie

May 29, 2017 at 5:14 PM Reply

It doesn’t seem right to wish you a happy memorial day. So I will send a hug of appreciation and remembering.

Johnny

May 29, 2017 at 3:48 PM Reply

Happy Memorial Day 🙂

The Swiss Cats

May 29, 2017 at 2:52 PM Reply

Beautiful graphics, and very interesting information for us, non-US kitties. Happy Memorial Day ! Purrs

ellen

May 29, 2017 at 2:13 PM Reply

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 !