MEMORIAL DAY - A Day to Remember and Honor!

Happy Memorial Day

Monday, May 26th 2014

Although most people think of this day as a day for BBQs, backyard parties, going to ball games, it is so much more than that. It is a day to remember our fallen service men and women who fought to save and preserve our freedom.

Originally proclaimed as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was declared in 1868 to be May 30^th. However, modern day changed the ‘date’ so as to coincide with a three-day Holiday weekend offering hard working people an extended weekend. But Memorial Day is MORE THAN THAT.

It is a ‘day’ founded at the end of the American Civil War and extended up to today’s time to commemorate all those Americans who have lost their lives fighting in ALL wars. At first it was for the men who had given their lives, but by the end of the 20^th Century, its purpose and meaning was extended to honor women as well, since they too have lost their lives in America-involved wars.

Since Memorial Day is the last Monday in May, it has become to denote the beginning of summer as well. Probably the reason more focus is made on the festiveness of Memorial Day. The ‘celebration’ on Memorial (Decoration) Day is believed to have begun during the American Civil War when women folk began decorating graves of the beloved husbands, brothers and fathers who lost their lives in battle with flowers. The celebrating in feast style is believed to have begun not long after placing the flowers upon graves originated. People would gather after placing flowers upon the graves creating a renewal of contacts with family and friends. They would gather in a park or in the backyard of family or friends each bringing food to the gathering. Since this was also the beginning of summer, the weather was generally ideal for the occasion.

The decorating of gravesites is still practiced today, but in the past several decades it has extended to other graves besides those of our service men and women. People now also observe Memorial Day nationwide to remember their mothers, fathers and other family members and friends who have passed on. Memorial Day has taken on an overall commemoration of our loved ones. Thousands upon thousands of people across our nation visit cemeteries and memorials to place flowers and/or an American Flag upon the grave of our military service men and women, AND all loved ones as well.

Although we may honor and remember all our departed loved ones on Memorial Day, let us not forget the original great custom of MEMORIAL DAY and not confuse it with VETERANS DAY – MEMORIAL DAY is to honor those in the military who have died for this country … VETERANS DAY is to honor ALL the military veterans – living or deceased. It is thanks to ALL of them that we are able to live the great life of freedom that we have today!