A Salute to Memorial Day

   Saturday, 17 May 2025, is Armed Forces Day. Fly your flags high in honor of the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Today, and every day, we recognize their service, sacrifice and strength.

  Let us at the same time remember the sacrifice of the families that support our valiant service members stationed in a myriad of locations around the globe. Keeping the 'home fires" burning for months on end with little to no recognition for dealing with the stress of multiple deployments and the difficulties associated with the service members absence.

  A SALUTE TO MEMORIAL DAY:   May 26th is Memorial Day this year, I have covered the significance of observing Memorial Day in previous posts and how vital it is that we continue to celebrate this most sacred of National holidays.

  Originally known for remembrance of the casualties of the Civil War, these celebrations were held on different days throughout the North and the South. The practice gained popularity prior to being officially established as Decoration Day. In 1890, in the Union states, most communities would hold local celebrations to honor the more than 620,000 dead from the Civil War without regard to Union or Confederate allegiance. Local celebrants would decorate the graves of their war dead with flags and flowers, music and speeches.

   In 1868, General John A Logan, Commander of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) proclaimed a "national day of remembrance" would be held on May 30th as it didn't coincide with the anniversary of any battle or conflict.

   May 30th, 1868 a celebration was held at Arlington National Cemetary... Thousands gathered to honor the war dead. These celebrations continued to increase in popularity until 1890 when the day was established as a holiday in all Union states. Southern/Confederate allied states continued to hold local celebrations for their dead on various different days until well after World War I.

  Following the horrors of the first world war it was decided to honor all Americans who perished in military service from all conflicts. This move precipitated the name change from Decoration Day to Memorial Day in 1971. The U.S. Congress established Memorial Day as a Federal holiday to be observed annually, on the last Monday in May.

   Modern observations include visits to local and Memorial cemeteries, placing flags on the graves of the war dead, parades, music, speeches and a universal moment of silence at 3:00 PM local time, a moment to reverently reflect on the sacrifice of fallen fellow citizens. 

  Unfortunately, for many. Memorial Day has lost is significance and simply marks the start of the summer season, pool openings, picnics, perhaps some fireworks... or just a day off without regard or appreciation of the sacrifices made by the soldiers, sailors and airmen who laid their last full measure upon the alter of freedom in the pursuit of Liberty and preservation of the American way...

In matters of style, swim with the current - In matters of principal, stand like a rock !