Monday, May 25, 2009

History of Memorial Day


Memorial Day

First, let me wish you a Happy Memorial Day! I hope you enjoy the parades, and the getting together with family and friends over this holiday weekend as we remember what this particular holiday is all about. Here's a little history to help:

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves.

General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers, declared on May 5, 1868 in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th 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. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

It was first observed on May 30, 1868, when General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

Apparently this first official celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns through America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War.

In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, NY the official birthplace of Memorial Day because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event since May 5, 1866, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

You may or may not agree with the reasons we get involved in wars, and I'm sure we all wish they weren't necessary. But one thing is sure: We would not enjoy all the many wonderful freedoms we have in this country today without the sacrifices of the countless brave men and women who have given their lives that we might live free.

Personally, I salute them and their remaining families with deepest and heartfelt gratitude.

Enjoy the parades today, and think about what they and so many others have done for us.


Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 10:13

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