The Significance of Memorial Day

            

Memorial Day is more than just a lovely three-day weekend which often includes barbeques or a trip to the beach.  Memorial Day, which was originally called Decoration Day, is an official day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.  This day is especially meaningful now since we are in a time of war and so many soldiers have lost their lives.  We are truly indebted to all service men and women for their sacrifice.

Memorial Day was officially established on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and it was first observed on May 30, 1868.  At that time, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  Nonetheless, the holiday was not immediately embraced.  In 1873, New York State was the first to officially recognize the day, and by 1890, it was adopted by all of the northern states.  Because the day was originally established to remember those who lost their lives during the Civil War, the South refused to acknowledge this day of remembrance.  Instead, the Southern states remembered their dead at different times.  Following World War I, Memorial Day became a day to honor those who died during any war.  At this time, the United States became united in its remembrance of those who gave their lives for our country during times of war.  In 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May.

               Despite many local events that recognize the true meaning of Memorial Day, approximately 80% of Americans are uninformed as to the day’s significance and simply view it as the official start of summer.  In response to this, the United States Congress, at the request of President William Clinton, established the National Moment of Remembrance in 2000.  In President Clinton’s proclamation, he stated “I ask that all Americans come together to recognize how fortunate we are to live in freedom and to observe a universal ‘National Moment of Remembrance’ on each Memorial Day.  This memorial observance represents a simple and unifying way to commemorate our history and honor the struggle to protect our freedoms.”  The time set for the National Moment of Remembrance is 3:00 PM local time.  This time was chosen because it is a time at which most Americans will be taking advantage of their freedoms by participating in a barbeque, picnic, baseball game, NASCAR race, etc.  

               This Memorial Day, have fun and enjoy your family and the day off of work, but do not forget that this holiday came at such a great cost to so many.  This year, take part in a local Memorial Day event or, at least, observe a moment of silence at 3:00 PM on Monday to show your appreciation for those who lost their lives to give you freedom.  

“These heroes are dead. They died for liberty - they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars - they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death.” ~Robert G. Ingersoll, Civil War Veteran

Here is a list of Memorial Day events in Huron this year: https://www.facebook.com/HuronCitySchools/posts/490448381104845?fref=nf