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A day of observance for those who pledged allegiance to their nation made the sacrifice and paid the ultimate price. Memories of loved ones from those who bear the perpetual wound embedded in their hearts. A day reserved in our nation to pay tribute, to give recognition and to mourn for the brave men and women who fought for and gave their lives, defending what we as Americans whole so dear to us.
Yes, we as a free people who make up a nation which undertook a war of rebellion to free ourselves from a monarchial form of government where many died from the very beginning to establish the foundation from which we stand today. A land consecrated by our ancestor’s blood, sweat and tears.
A land where again in another epoch of time, many died in fulfilling the ideology of equality among all men, a civil war fought amongst ourselves to fill another interval in our quest to bring freedom into fruition. Brave men and women still die today to defend, preserve and honor the crucial philosophy of freedom and to keep it alive in all of its citizens and to all who seek an emancipated world.
A history of this day of remembrance
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. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared 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."
During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. In addition, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Remembered
A nation born from war, for the *purpose* of establishing freedom
A nation divided in war, in an
*attempt* to fulfill the goal of freedom
A nation engaged in world wars,
in the *task* of preserving freedom
A nation policing the world,
in the *pursuit* of freedom
So many young lives have been lost,
for the *cause* of freedom
Let us remember those who paid the
*ultimate price,* for freedom
And dear God, please tell us! -
*What!* - is freedom?
“Life is to be lived, not controlled, and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat."
Ralph Ellison
Dave was born on November 8,1948 in Westbrook, Maine. The 10th. child of a family of eleven children. Served in Vietnam from December of 1967 until June of 1969. He became active with the youth movement of the 60s on completion of military duty. Now retired and living in Florida. (still believes in the young)
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» left by James P Krehbiel(1,375) James P Krehbiel (1 year 240 days ago.)
David,
Thank you. What a comprehensive piece on the history of this significant holiday in rememberance of those who have served this country. Thank you for your contribution during and after the Vietnam War! Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay(7,911) David Tanguay (1 year 239 days ago.)
Thank you for commenting James, and thank you for your contribution in the role you play in helping our young people deal with the problems they face in today's society. Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay(7,911) David Tanguay (1 year 230 days ago.)
Thank you Avis for commenting, my article was mainly a tribute to those who paid the ultimate price. Those are the real heroes who truly gave all they could give Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,395) Judi Lake (1 year 230 days ago.)
David, you absolutely have my attention and heart -- what a beautiful tribute which I will show many of the young people I am in touch with -- Thanks so much for sharing! Respond to this comment
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