Why do we celebrate Memorial Day ?
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I plan to begin my own observance of "Memorial Day" in Nature and in reverance on this holiday so that it's meaning will have even more significance to me. "Memorial Day" should be more than a three day weekend that marks the beginning of the summer season. To many people, especially America's thousands of combat veterans, this day is an important reminder to think of, pray for and honor those who died in the service of protecting and preserving the freedoms which all of us enjoy today. May we not take these precious freedoms for granted or our veteran's sacrifices for them, in vain.
Mahalo nui Aloha, Michael AngelOh
History of Memorial Day
"Giving Honor Giving Thanks"
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"Memorial Day" was originally known as "Decoration Day" because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30,1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclaimation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. This original proclaimations states:
The 30th of May, 1868, Is 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. In this observance 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.
During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery. By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars.
In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the
"Tomb of the Unknown Soldier..."
Memorial Day Poem "Flags Unfurled with Honor"
"Flags Unfurled with Honor" by Francine Pucillo
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Flags unfurled with honor, windswept in the breeze.
Colors born of nation, Of every life conceived...
With honor and with glory, on every battlefield.
We stood for truth and honor, let no one be deceived...
We are the land of freedom, who love their fellowman.
Fight no matter where we are, this tradition we began...
Through every war our valor, courageous hearts were worn.
Heads held high with honor, no fear of death nor scorn...
Today we must remember, those who left this earth.
Fighting for the freedom, our patriot's great worth...
On every stone is written, names of brave and true.
Their life for love of country, Heart's victory for you...
Memorial Day Poem "The Wall"
"The Wall" by H.D. Hughes
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They walk along the granite block, past names all etched in stone.
Among so many others here, but feel so all alone...
So many here to touch a soul, that passed so long ago.
And tears now streak from off your cheek, emotions, have to show...
There are so many people here, who wish the pain to end.
Why not reach out a hand to them, to listen, be a friend...
The Wall can bridge the largest gap, it made our nation one.
We thank the nurses one and all, and every soldier, son...
Whose names we see forever etched, upon the granite stone.
Though painful make us realize, that we are not alone...
The sacrifice, that you all made, that bring us to this shrine.
Bring all those closer, left behind, perhaps the grand design...
To help the friends and family, to understand the call.
That took your names from off lifes list, and place it on this Wall...
You fought a war, unpopular, in Nam so far away.
And now you've found the greatest peace, as we stand here and pray...
Beyond the Wall we hope to find, the reason for it all.
Why you with pride went far away, to answer duty's call...
Perhaps the flag that others burn, became your symbol proud.
Why you gave life, proclaim your love, of country, very loud...
So rest in peace, my Warrior, my nurse and doctor too.
And rest assured forever more, we'll all remember you...
The Wall means much to everyone, these names on granite cast.
To keep your memories alive, as long as time will last...
So look upon the granite face, and touch the names with pride.
For all their spirits linger there, beyond the Wall, inside...
This verse was placed in "The National Archives" on September 30, 1993
Memorial Day Prayer
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Eternal God, Creator of years, of centuries,
Lord of whatever is beyond time. Maker of all species and master of all history. How shall we speak to you from our smallness and inconsequence. Except that you have called us to worship you in spirit and in truth. You have dignified us with loves and loyalties. You have lifted us up with your loving kindnesses. Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling, though we sometimes feel that low, and without fear, though we may often be anxious. We sing with spirit and pray with courage because you have dignified us. You have redeemed us from the aimlessness of things going meaninglessly well.
God, lift the hearts of those for whom this holiday is not just diversion, but painful memory and continued deprivation. Bless those whose dear ones have died needlessly, wastefully, as it seems, in accident or misadventure. We remember with compassion those who have died serving their countries in the futility of combat. There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation, when all the answers we are offered fail the question death asks of each of us. We believe that you will provide for us as others have been provided with the fulfillment of
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted..."
By Rev. Dick Kozelka (ret)
(First Congregational Church of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN.)
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Memorial Day Prose
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"If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house. If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world..."
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