Preserving Memorial Day

Dan Hegeman

Each year, on the last Monday in May, Americans across the country and overseas pause to remember the estimated 1.8 million men and women who have fought and died in service to the United States.

This year, we observed Memorial Day om Monday, May 25.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began after the Civil War as a way to honor the dead. The very first Decoration Day was observed on May 30, 1868.

The day was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.

To mark the occasion, General James Garfield gave a speech at Arlington National Cemetery and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of 20,000 fallen Union and Confederate soldiers.

Throughout most of its history, Memorial Day has been a solemn day of remembrance, observed by placing flowers and flags on gravesites, visiting cemeteries and memorials, participating in parades and wearing red poppies.

Sadly, in recent years, many fear the true meaning of this hallowed day has become lost, that the original intent to honor our fallen brothers and sisters has been replaced by an opportunity to celebrate the start of summer and a three-day weekend.

Indeed, in an effort to remind our citizens of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed in December 2000. The resolution calls for all Americans “To pause for one minute at 3 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.”

On this upcoming Memorial Day, no matter where you are or who you’re with, I encourage you to find some way of honoring the original intent of Decoration Day. I encourage you to pause and remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation and her people.