Remember

Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War with a desire to honor our dead. General John Logan in a general order, proclaimed May 30, 1868 as a day to decorate the graves of those fallen to defend the country. Originally called Decoration Day, it was changed to Memorial Day after World War I. It is now observed on the last Monday of the month of May.

Traditional observance of the day has diminished over the years. There used to be parades, decoration of graves at cemeteries, and people even wore artificial poppies to show respect for those that gave their lives, as described in a poem by Monia Michael - "We cherish too, the Poppy red, That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies, That blood of heroes never dies."

In 2004, Washington DC held it’s first Memorial Day parade in more than 60 years. I can barely remember seeing a Memorial Day parade as a boy.

Tradition for the flag is different for Memorial Day. It is to be raised quickly, at sunrise, and then lowered to half staff until noon. At noon, it is to be raised quickly again. This is to honor those that gave their lives and to resolve by the living not to let those lives be in vain.

The "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December 2000 and asks that at 3 p.m. local time, all Americans, voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, by observing a moment of silence from whatever they are doing, or by listening to Taps.

Between 1775 and 1991 there has been over a millions lives given in service to America. Today, brave young men and women are still making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and liberty.

It’s not known where the phrase began, but these few words summarize why Memorial Day is so important: "All gave some, but some gave all."  It is right that they should be respected and remembered.

Freedom is not free. It never will be.

PMO
©2015