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Have we forgotten? I remember as a child growing up, there was little mention of the meaning of Memorial Day. Being born in 1973, the bitter taste of the Viet Nam conflict still lingered in the collective mouths of Americans, the United States Military was seen as more of a “necessary evil” than a group of patriotic men and women with the desire to defend America and all that makes her great. It amazes me that in this era of conflict, and American service men and women putting themselves in harm’s way daily that we do not see a greater level of recognition for their sacrifices. In fact once I became aware of the meaning of Memorial Day, it became puzzling to me as to why there was not more public participation in honoring the men and women that have sacrificed themselves at the altar of freedom, so that we may enjoy it.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5th 1868, by General John A. Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic in General Order Number 11. The original purpose of the day was for the living Soldiers to place flowers, flags, and other decorations at the grave sites of their fallen comrades. It was ordered that “no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.” Another purpose was to remind Soldiers that for each fallen comrade there was likely a widow or fatherless child, the order states “let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the Soldier’s and Sailor’s widow and orphan.
This newly proclaimed day of remembrance was practiced by the Northern states’ Union Soldiers, the Soldiers of the Confederacy Soldiers and Widows were rumored to have practiced a day of memoriam even before the end of the Civil War, as evidenced by a hymn published in 1867 entitled “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L. Sweet. New York was the first state in the Union to officially recognize the holiday in 1873, by 1890 it was recognized by all of the Northern States. The Southern States continued to honor its fallen Soldiers on separate days until after WW I, at which point the holiday was altered to recognize those that have fallen in all conflicts, not just the Civil war. Memorial Day is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May.
Observances of Memorial Day have declined over the years, many Americans have forgotten the meaning and traditions of the day, or just selfishly choose not to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the few for the freedom of the masses. It is saddening to see the headstone of a Veteran unadorned with even so much as a flower let alone a small flag or other token to show them that their sacrifice is still appreciated and not forgotten. In many municipalities it is not even ordered that the Flag be lowered to half mast. In Seattle, Washington today there were flags at half staff on every Federal Building, however across the street at county and city buildings, there were flags fully raised.
It is unfortunate that the citizens of the United States do not take a simple moment of their time to observe Memorial Day, and practice its traditions. In this age of war, where we see less than one percent of the total population of the United States in the Armed Forces, and we see them headed off to hostile areas with as little as one year between combat tours; one would think that Americans would recognize the sacrifices of these men and women by paying their respects on one single day in May.
According to the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center, 6,014 personnel have died in Afghanistan and Iraq. With these deaths come Widows, and Orphans just as was true in the Civil War, WW I, WW II, Korea, Viet Nam, and all other conflicts. Yet there is rarely action on the part of the average American Citizen to support these Family Members. While the Military attempts to “take care of its own”, it does so only through assistance immediately following the incident, and survivors benefits. There are few people that take the time on Memorial Day to do something for these Widows and Children.
Our current conflicts have continued long enough now that almost every citizen knows someone, or knows of someone that has participated in one of the conflicts (or both). The Active Component and Reserve/National Guard have participated in these conflicts, and some have died. It is all too simple to go to the local Reserve or National Guard Army or Readiness Center to find out about fallen Warriors and their Families. There are men and women in every community in the United States that have been called to serve in Afghanistan or Iraq, there are Service Members from all 50 states that have died in service to America. They are not hard to find, but you have to be willing to find them. Most cemeteries in America have an area where Veterans are buried; there are Veterans Service Organizations in every community in the United States. No matter where you turn, there are opportunities to pay your respects to those who have paid the ultimate price for your freedom.
If you missed your chance this year, you have 364 days to plan for next year. You do it for Christmas; you do it for Halloween, Easter, and even for the 4th of July and New Years. Take a moment and do it for those men and women that have given their lives in service of this country. Plan to do something to show your appreciation for the sacrifices of America’s Sons and Daughters next year. Contact your local Military representative (even a Recruiter), veterans Service Organization, Church, Boy Scout Troop, or even Funeral Home. Find an event; give time in remembrance and appreciation for what we all have. Do these things before you light your barbecue, crack open that beer, or sit down to watch the television. Have the guests of your celebration participate with you; make it a tradition. Teach your children to appreciate the sacrifices of others, and to not take for granted something that has been bought with the blood and tears of Service men and women, and their Families. I can promise you, the Family of every person who has paid the ultimate price will never forget the sacrifice, nor will they forget the day they learned the price of freedom; take the time to show each of them that you appreciate what they have given, take the time to give back.
Things You Can Do For Memorial Day:
1) Visit a local cemetery and place flowers or flags on the graves of Veterans
2) Visit a memorial, and take the time to reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom
3) Fly a flag in front of your home at half staff until noon (12:00pm)
4) Fly the POW/MIA Flag
5) Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00pm on Memorial Day (your local time) and reflect upon the true meaning of the day.
6) Make a pledge to help the Widows, Widowers, Orphans, and Families of our Fallen Service Members or Wounded Warriors.
7) Donate to your local Veterans Service Organization
Please take the time to appreciate those that have taken the time to protect you.
