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
