Asheville White Dove Releases

Another year has passed and we are steadily approaching summer with Spring in full blossom. This time of year we are also anticipating a welcomed three day holiday weekend. Memorial Day weekend somewhat marks the beginning of our warm season, outdoor activities, picnics, drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and family gatherings. More importantly though, how many of us know the meaning and origin of Memorial Day?
It was originally called Decoration Day, a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Waterloo, NY officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead, officially proclaimed May 5th, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. The "30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers , or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion , and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land", he proclaimed". The date of Decoration Day , as he called it, was chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of any particular battle. At first the holiday was only recognized by all the northern states and the South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I when the holiday changed to honoring all Americans who died fighting in any war. It is now observed in almost every state on the last Monday in May. It is also a National Federal holiday ensuring a three day weekend. Red Poppies often seen worn at Memorial Day events honoring those who died serving the nation during war were first inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" however Moina Michael replied by writing her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies

For the last 9 years I have had the honor to present white doves as the finale to the Memorial Day event held in nearby Black Mountain, NC. This years event will be on May 30th at the Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.
The following is a letter I received from last year's memorial event:
Dear Ms. Gaunt: On behalf of the Buncombe County Veterans Council and the Charles George VA Medical Center, we thank you for your participation in the Memorial Day Program held May 25, 2015. This special day of solemness engenders a call to our Nation to stop, remember, reflect and honor the sacrifices made by those who served. As you know many Veterans remember their comrades every day, this each day is Memorial Day. We are grateful to you as our Nation paused to remember the sacrifices of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guards made in serving our Nation where and when they were needed. Sincerely yours Alyce Knaflich, Chair, Buncombe County Veterans Council and Cynthia Breyfogle, Fache, Medical Center Dirctor, June 29, 2015

Times are changing and so are the ways we celebrate life!
Here are a few unique ways that some folks have honored their loved ones.

For thousands of years, white doves have been a traditional symbol in wedding ceremonies. To the ancient Egyptians, the dove represented quiet innocence. The Chinese saw the dove as a symbol of peace and long life. To early Greeks and Romans, doves symbolized love, devotion, and caring. The dove was the sacred animal of Aphrodite and Venus, the goddesses of love.
In these ancient cultures, the groom would give a dove to the bride, symbolizing his promise to help care for her and for the family.

These days, Doves are regularly released at weddings as a blessing for the bride and groom.

Doves pair up for life, so they are a true representation of love and the eternal commitment that a couple have made.

Continued... This tradition has become hugely popular at weddings in the United States and the UK in recent years. It is also quickly gaining popularity in Australia.

There are many bird fanciers that have put their expertise to providing doves for release at events around the world.

It is really easy to have a spectacular white dove release at your own wedding that is just as enchanting as it would have been for people that participated in the weddings of ancient times (probably much more!).

This tradition has become hugely popular at weddings in the United States and the UK in recent years. It is also quickly gaining popularity in Australia.

There are many bird fanciers that have put their expertise to providing doves for release at events around the world.

It is really easy to have a spectacular white dove release at your own wedding that is just as enchanting as it would have been for people that participated in the weddings of ancient times (probably much more!).

This video gives a beautiful visual and verbal explanation.

We have been honored for the second year to participate in the annual Easter Sunrise Service in Erwin, Tenn., a courtesy of Valley Funeral Home managed by funeral director, Mike Peterson.

I make my way in the dark to the NC/Tenn. overpass before dawn to arrive at Evergreen Cemetery just before the first light of the day. A small gathering of dedicated people, dressed warmly for the cold mountain temperatures and slight rain showers, are awaiting this meaningful Easter Sunrise Service. The small crowd all join in prayers and song to celebrate with enthusiasm in their voices. As Christians, there is a strong connection to the symbolic meaning of this holiday.

Michael Peterson awaits the right moment to release the white doves at the Easter Sunrise Service.

As the sun slowly rises over the mountains and the songs rise to the occasion, the finale of 20+ pure white doves are released from two white baskets symbolizing the joyous recognition of Christ arising.

All eyes are on the doves as they circle once, twice and or three times. There was a quiet feeling of gratitude as we all witnessed the doves join and fly off into the horizon.

And this is how Easter morning began...for one small group of worshipers in their community in Erwin, Tenn. this March 31st, 2013.

Hallelujah!