“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”- Unknown
“May we never forget freedom isn’t ree.”
This memorial day may seem very different from past years without the celebratory parades and barbecues we have grown accustomed to. But maybe this year, while social distancing, it actually gives us time to reflect on the real reason for the season. We can truly pause to honor the veterans, brave men and woman, the courageous heroes and sheroes who have suffered and sacrificed their lives in order to save ours. Enabling us to go forward freely in life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. We reflect, while sending love, honor, and noting that there is truly not enough words in our dictionary to accurately describe our sincerest gratitude.
The back story
It is said that this most solemn American holiday, which mourns the loss of our fallen soldiers, was created in 1868 in the historic sweet town of Waterloo, NY. Over 20 other cities claim bragging rights as the “birthplace” for this holiday but only this tiny upstate village got the stamp of approval from President Lyndon B. Johnson with his signature on legislation declaring them the winner-winner.
Perhaps, The Very First Memorial Day...
However, on May 1, 1865, three weeks after the Confederate surrender, a very momentous dedication was organized by recently freed slaves, accompanied by regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops (together with the Massachusetts' 54th Infantry), and a few white Charlestonians. They all came together to consecrate a new, proper burial site for 250 prisoners of war, who had perished from illness, exposure, and disease, due to horrendous living conditions and then buried in a mass grave. These brave men, in mourning, sang hymns, gave readings, and laid blossoms around the cemetery, which they dedicated to the “Martyrs of the Race Course.” This beautiful, symbolic commemoration may have been the very first celebration of "Memorial Day" in our history.
Decoration Day
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day as it was created to commemorate the graves of those lives lost in the Civil War. But during World War I, a scuffle broke out over the obvious disillusions and the holiday evolved to honor all American military personnel who died in all wars (rightly so). It was then re-titled as Memorial Day. It continued to be celebrated on May 30, the date designated for the first Decoration Day, until Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, in 1968 which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May. In 1971, this change took effect to create a three-day weekend for federal employees and a national holiday for us and an extra long weekend with obligatory baked beans and potato salad. Our taste buds just say thank you!
Did you know this?
Despite the growing celebration and kick-off of Memorial Day as a summer rite of passage, there is still some important official business on the books to be honored: the American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff. And since 2000, when The National Moment of Remembrance was passed, all Americans are asked to stop wherever they are at 3PM (your local time) to pause for the duration of one minute in reflection for all those who have perished in military service in pursuit of our freedom and peace. What a beautiful act of symbolic unity!
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