Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – Hart Dowd

May 29, 2006

Memorial Day In The USA

Hartson Dowd

Memorial Day and Labor Day are bookend holidays, marking the beginning and end of the summer holidays in the United States. These three-day weekends traditionally are times for celebration and family outings.   Celebrated in most states on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a time to remember the U.S. men and woman who lost their lives serving their country. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was established in 1868 to commemorate the dead from the Civil War. Over the years it came to serve as a day to remember all U.S. men and women killed or missing in action in all wars.

Time cannot steal the treasures

That we carry in our hearts,

Nor ever dim the shining thoughts

Our cherished past imparts.

And memories of the ones we’ve loved

Still cast their gentle glow,

To grace our days and light our paths

Wherever we may go.

If the surveys are correct, then most Americans don't know much about Memorial Day's purpose or history and I think that's sad considering how all of the brave men and women fought for us and gave their lives for our freedom.

So I'm going to give everyone a little history lesson about how Memorial Day started. The holiday began during the Civil War. Decorating the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers took place in several states during that time. When the war was over, General John A. Logan, of Union veterans called the Grand Army of the Republic, issued a general order designating a day to put flowers on and decorate the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.

During the first observance of what was then called Decoration Day, the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers in Arlington were adorned with flowers as the thousands of participants said prayers and sang hymns.

After World War I, the national Decoration Day became Memorial Day. The commemoration was expanded to include those who died in all U.S. wars. Most states, in accordance with federal law, officially celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday in May.

Memorial Day is a time where we should reflect on those who were apart of so much and gave their lives so we can have freedom. So Monday when you're out on the lake determining what to eat for lunch or whether or not to take out that white pair of shoes you've been saving all spring, take time to remember those who gave their all. It may seem like a small gesture, but it's a way to briefly, remember those heroes and maintain a tradition worth keeping.

 Every day is reason to thank our veterans for their service and to praise our military for all it does. Organizations like the American Legion and VFW have long hosted programs to remind us how lucky we are to live in a democracy, thanks to our military and law enforcement agencies. May holds the most sacred of our remembrances, Memorial Day.

   Generations younger than those who served in World War II have been awakened to tragedy and fear in recent years. The horror of Sept. 11, 2001, when the Twin Towers fell, is to today's citizens what Pearl Harbor was to my generation.

   Memorial Day services, which had fallen off in the years prior to the Persian Gulf War and Sept. 11, are now attracting more participants. Still, there are only a handful of faithful souls who annually put flags on the graves of those who have worn our uniforms of democracy. Volunteers are always welcome. To get involved, contact a veterans' group near you, and leave a message that you are willing to help.

Hartson Dowd

hsdowd@telus.net