« West Nile Virus in Claremont… Is It “Bugging” You? | Home | My Route 66 Amboy, Kelso & Nipton Bye-Bye »
Is Memorial Day Just About Sales and Barbeques?
By Tisza Major-Posner | May 26, 2007
Hi All,
Memorial Day is almost upon us once again. I know that over the years it has been used to herald the “official” start of the summer season. It is also used as a reason for millions of sales on everything from trash bags to tires. But is that really the reason for the holiday? Is this what it was meant to become when it was originally conceived back in 1868? No, I don’t think that was what General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11 had in mind.
Memorial Day or Decoration Day as it was originally known, was first created as a way to recognize those Civil War veterans who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
It’s earliest beginnings harken back to those women of the south who began tending the graves not just of “their boys”, but of someone else’s as well. By decorating the graves of not just the Confederate but the Union soldiers alike, their memory’s were honored and their valor was saluted, regardless of which flag they fought beneath.
The tradition continued and the custom spread. North, south, east and west, and became a way of recognizing those who have served in our Nation’s military in times of peace and in times of war. After a soldier’s passing, it was one small way that they could be honored, recognized and saluted.
Originally observed on May 30, (the date the first official recognition occurred in 1868) Memorial Day was officially sanctioned as a Federal Holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May. It was passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) and the floating date was selected in favor of the traditional one, to ensure a three day weekend.
Over the course of this past week and through the next few days, members of our Armed Forces, Boy and Girl Scouts and countless private citizens will use this opportunity to acknowledge and remember all those men and women who have served, fought and died for the country that they loved.
So, this Memorial Day whether you are enjoying your hot dog’s, grabbing that bargain or just sleeping in, take a moment to remember what the day is about and who you know, or may have known that this day is meant to honor.
For more in depth information about the Memorial Day Holiday and it’s creation be sure to check out www.usmemorialday.org
Take care all, help lots of people and have a wonderful day,
Topics: General |
Enjoy this post? Subscribe to my feed or get updates via e-mail
May 28th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Thanks for the reminder, Tisza! Great post.