by Xavier Muldrow
To many of us, Memorial Day is thought of as a day of celebration with barbecues and pool parties. But do we really understand why we are celebrating? This year, before you fire up the grill, you may want to take a moment to find out. The history of Memorial Day goes way back to 1868.
On May 5, 1868, Memorial Day was officially proclaimed by General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, as a day of remembrance for those who had fallen during the civil war. The first official Memorial Day was on May 30, 1868, and was known as “Declaration Day”. Flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. By 1890, the holiday was being recognized by all the Northern states. However, the Southern states honored the fallen soldiers on a different day. This changed after World War I, when the holiday no longer honored only those who died fighting in the Civil War, but all Americans who lost their lives fighting in any war.
Today, Memorial Day is a national holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May. The tradition of laying flowers on the graves of soldiers who have given their lives for the good of our country remains to this day. The most formal ceremony is the placing of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. However, for many of us, the meaning of the Memorial Day has turned from one of remembrance to one of vacations and partying. May 30th was dedicated as a national holiday to honor and reflect on the memories of our veterans, not just for another three-day weekend.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with celebrating the day with your family in fun ways! However, this Memorial Day weekend, I ask you and your family and friends to show your appreciation by taking part in at least one of the following traditions:
- Visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
- Visiting memorials.
- Flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
- Participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance" at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day.
- Renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of fallen soldiers, and to aid the disabled veterans.
Before you put the burgers on the grill or drink your ice cold lemonade, make sure to also take a moment to remember the soldiers that made your barbecue possible.
7 comments:
Thank you, Xavier, for making us all mindful of the sacrifices, including the greatest sacrifice of all, our military and their families make to keep us all safe. From all of us at Little Pickle Press we wish you and your families a conscious, safe, and happy Memorial Day.
This is a wonderful reminder of the true reason and meaning of Memorial Day. The area of Novato that I live in was originally developed to house the officers that were stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base. Most of the original owners have passed away but the tradition that their families started in the 1960's continue today. Most notably are the flags that are hanging from every house. I love this neighborhood, not only because of the history and the connection that most of our neighbors have to the military but that this commitment continues to this day. A lot of the vets are gone now, but the memory continues. Thank you Xavier..you did an awesome job with this.
Thank you for reminding us what has gone before us and the real meaning of Memorial Day. Taking a moment out of our reverie is the least we can do to honor those that have sacrificed for all of us.
Xavier, I am very thankful for this article it is a great reminder of what Memorial Day really means. I will be sure to take time to give appreciation to those who have served.
Thank you,
lei
Thank you, Xavier, for helping us remember the depth of this day. At 3pm I will be sure to take a break from my activities in honor of the sacrifices made on this country's/my behalf. Happy Memorial Day!
This is the first time I've lived in a community in which the residents actually go to the cemetery to clean up and plant flowers on Memorial Day. Some of the rural communities nearby even have an honor guard and gun salute and citizens actually attend. It was quite eye-opening to discover people who think of this day as more than just a three-day weekend off from work. Or a day to fire up the grill. Good post!
Great post. Thank you for sharing and reminding us of the true meaning of the Memorial Day and to honor the veterans who sacrificed their lives and families for our country.
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