Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died in service of the United States of America.
Memorial Day emerged from the Civil War, which ended in 1865. The reason? There was a desire to honor the dead. General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the republic, officially proclaimed in his General Order No. 11 that the 30th of May, 1868, was designated for the purpose of "strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”
General John Logan designated this day, "Decoration Day."
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act (Pub. L. 90-363, 82 Stat. 250, passed June 28, 1968) is an Act of Congress. It moved two federal holidays in the United States, Washington's Birthday and Memorial Day, to a Monday. Thus, creating the three-day holiday weekend we know as Memorial Day Weekend.
Reflecting on this history and development of Memorial Day is vital for each of us as Americans. Though we all can easily reference these three days off as a holiday getaway - more importantly and greater to us should be - the basis of what this day known as Memorial Day holds. It is the emphasis that was imposed so many years ago with the desire to "honor our dead." Those who paid the supreme sacrifice for not only the country they loved, but those they loved ...and those they would never even know.
It is incumbent upon us - we who live today - to resurrect that spirit of love of country, appreciation for freedom and heart of patriotism for today and generations to come.
If only ...to "honor our dead!"
May we remember. May we honor. May we find it in ourselves to give thanks to those who sacrificed it all and to their families living among us.
Enjoy Memorial Day with family and friends. Only, remember the why of it as you do!
To those who gave all, so we could have all ...we honor ~ we remember.
HOME OF THE FREE ...BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Really enjoyed it!
Great post