Memorial Days in USA and Israel

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Even though we are living in Israel we will be sure to remember with Americans on Monday those who died to insure the USA will continue as a free and vibrant country.

Here in Israel we also have a Memorial Day to remember Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. It is celebrated yearly before Israeli Independence Day.  This year it was April 14th-15th. Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) begins at 8:00 p.m. A siren sounds throughout Israel for one minute as various groups hold ceremonies to pay tribute to those who paid the price of their lives for the freedom of this land. The following day at 11:00 the people of Israel stop in the middle of whatever they are doing as the national siren rings out for two minutes. Drivers exit their cars and stand in the middle of the road, workers stand next to the decks, and classrooms stand in silence to remember those who gave their lives so they could be free. On that day only special tributes and memorial programs are broadcasted on television and radio. Remembering and honoring the fallen of Israel is taken very seriously in this country. The photo shown here is the Wall of Names at Latrun, Israel's Armored Corps Memorial.

May God continue to bless America and Israel as places of freedom and prosperity!