Memorial Day

Most people remember Memorial Day.  They spend time together as families.  They are picnicing, barbecueing, fishing, and enjoying each others company.  Most people even know and remember that Memorial Day is a day to honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces. Memorial Day is a day to honor those that have died in war, for those who have fought, and for those who are still fighting. Here is a little extra information about how Memorial Day got started.


The first Memorial Day was on May 30th, 1868. It was called "Decoration Day," and was created by civil war general, John Logan. Gen. John Logan wanted the day to help mend the relationship between the North and the South after the Civil War.  Remember that war was the one where brother killed brother and Father fought against son.  We needed to mend and repair the relationships if we were ever going to be United again. 
Why did he choose May 30th?  I was so inspired and impressed when I found the answer to that simple question.  General Logan chose May 30th for two reasons. The first because it was a day that no Civil war battles had been fought on, and second reason was because he thought that flowers would be in bloom all over The United States.  He thought that he would make it easier for people to be able to visit their dead and decorate the graves. 

Decoration Day (or Memorial Day as it later came to be known) was celebrated for over 100 years, but it wasn't until 1971 that it became an official holiday.

Memorial Day today, is a day that Americans pause to remember the sacrifices of all service members who gave their life in defense of this country throughout our history. They are truly the heroes of our past and have provided for our future. For us to set aside a day seems to be such a small commitment in comparison to the huge sacrifice they have made. It is only fitting that we honor the lives of those who fell and celebrate their sacrifices as well as their commitment.
For only we the people of this great country can assure that those who died did not die in vain. That through their sacrifice a nation was born, and stood before mankind as a shining example for all people of this world to honor and value.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

- John McCrae

Today, may we remember those who have served and those who are currently serving in the military.  Whether we agree or disagree with the war, these brave men and women go to battle often because they believe in freedom and liberty for all men, wherever they may live.  My heart goes out to all of those who have loved and lost someone in the Military.  May you know that they are not forgotten, that their service was not in vain, and that they are loved and appreciated yet today.  May our hearts be turned to our ancestors who fought valiently for freedom and for liberty.  May we remember them today with love and thanksgiving.