The History of Memorial Day

  Memorial Day often brings about thoughts of picnic bar-be-cues and summer around the corner, but through all of our celebration and family gathering, we must remember the holiday for its solemn purpose, as a time of respect, reflection, and gratitude.

 Decoration Day...

Originally known as “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day began well over 100 years ago as a day of remembrance of those who have died while serving our country. Although many towns have laid claim to have been its birthplace, it is generally believed and declared by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966 to have begun in the sleepy, little town of Waterloo, New York.

 In 1866, just a year after the end of the Civil War, a man by the name of Henry C. Welles suggested that the townspeople of Waterloo decorate the graves of the fallen from the war. The county clerk, General John B. Murray, heartily agreed and met with a committee to discuss a day of dedication.

 As the community caught the spirit, citizens of the town began creating wreaths, floral arrangements, flags, and crosses to decorate the graves of the veterans. On May 5, in respect, businesses were closed, flags were flown at half-mast, and local cemeteries held processionals. The following May 5, 1867, celebrations and decorations commenced yet again.

 It wouldn’t be until spring of 1868 when the celebration would be officially proclaimed “Decoration Day,” to be observed on May 30, by General John Logan in his General Order No. 11. In honor of the solemn occasion, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

 General Orders No.11

 WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

 I. The 30th day 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 church-yard 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.

  We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

 If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

 Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from his honor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

 II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

 III. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.

 By order of

 JOHN A. LOGAN, Commander-in-Chief

 N.P. CHIPMAN, Adjutant General

 Official: WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

 ...Becomes "Memorial" Day

The name was eventually changed to “Memorial Day” in 1882, and included honoring those that sacrificed their lives in all wars. Although recognized by 1890 by all of the northern states, the southern states did not participate in the same day until after World War I, having instead their own days set aside to honor the fallen veterans.

 Nearly a century later, in 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, celebrating it on the last Monday of May. Some Southern states still honor their Confederate soldiers on specific days as well:

 • Alabama: Fourth Monday in April

 • Georgia: April 26

 • Louisiana: June 3

 • Mississippi: Last Monday in April

 • North Carolina: May 10

 • South Carolina: May 10

 • Tennessee (Confederate Decoration Day): June 3

 • Texas (Confederate Heroes Day): January 19

 • Virginia: Last Monday in May

 The "Poppy"

The poppy is another symbol of Memorial Day dating back to the days of World War I. A woman named Moina Michael wrote a poem originally inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields.” Having made a personal pledge to 'keep the faith' she penned a poem, entitled “We Shall Keep the Faith.”

 She became the first to wear a poppy—poppies of Flanders Fields—selling others to raise money to aid needy soldiers, and launching a campaign to make poppies a symbol of support for veterans. This practice soon spread around the world, with organizations making and selling artificial poppies for war causes. By 1922, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was recognized as the first veterans association engaged in the national sales of artificial poppies. You can still see veterans outside of local supermarkets and stores selling poppies to support this cause!

 Finally, in May of 2000, a "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed “Encouraging individual department and agency personnel, and Americans everywhere, to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.”

 So, as we fire up the bar-be-cue and break out with the jello-molds this Memorial Day, let’s take time to reflect on the brave men and women who have fought and died serving our country and preserving our freedoms. Take the time to proudly display a flag, and if you know of someone who has died in service, perhaps you can visit their grave or honor their family with a card. Purchase a poppy and wear it with pride! Whatever we do, taking a moment at 3:00 p.m. to offer prayers of thankfulness and gratitude is certainly the least we can all do in respect and reverence of their noble sacrifices.

 LINKS of INTEREST:
Battle Hymn of the Republic:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/h/bhymnotr.htm

Taps:
http://www.usmemorialday.org/taps.html

War and Military Memorials:
http://www.vfw3150.org/specialfeatures.htm

POEM - "In Flanders Fields"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Flanders_Fields

POEM - "We Shall Keep the Faith"
http://www.iwvpa.net/michaelm/