Yesterday the nation celebrated what has become known as the first holiday of the Summer season - Memorial Day. Until 1971 this holiday was called "Decoration Day" because of the tradition beginning at the end of the Civil War to decorate with flowers the graves of those who lost their lives in that conflict in their honor. It began with a proclamation on May 5, 1868, by Union General John Logan, that May 30th would be the day of remembrance and honoring. This holiday was not adopted by the Southern States on that date, but they chose a different date to honor their fallen.
On Sunday evening we at Neumann House where I live watched the 25th Anniversary Concert of "Les Miserable". Taking place in Paris during the French Revolution, there is a line spoken by one of the young leaders of the rebellion that says: "The blood of the martyrs will water the meadows of France". This is the sentiment that Decoration Day embodied, for those who died from both sides of that terrible conflict in the mid 1860's, the Civil War of our nation, provided for the freedom of a united nation, these United States of America.
Over the years, as other wars became a part of our history, the call to recognize and honor all who fought and died for the rights of people and for freedom and a better world were included in the remembrance. The national holiday was moved in 1971 to the last Monday in May, this year May 31st.
It is unfortunate that all too many do not know the origin or purpose of this holiday and see it as a long weekend off. We must never forget ... and whether we "decorate" the graves of those who died in battle or not, we must never forget their sacrifice and we must offer our prayers of thanksgiving for those who gave "the last full measure of devotion".
This day has always been special for me (the original day - May 30th) for I always thought that they put out the flags and had the parades for my birthday. Then they moved it to the nearest Monday. Oh, well. A belated "Happy Memorial Day!"
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