Memorial Day

Did you know that Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day?  The holiday had its beginning in 1868 when Decoration Day was established as the national day to put flowers on the graves of Civil War soldiers.  Arlington National Cemetery was the place of the first large-scale observance of Decoration Day, which is appropriate since more than 20,000 Union dead were buried there along with several hundred Confederate dead.  Since the 1880s, this holiday has been known as Memorial Day, and since that time, Memorial Day has been a time to remember men and women who died while serving their country in all wars.

Memorial Day should not be confused with Veterans Day.  Memorial Day is a day for remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.  For honoring and celebrating the men and women who currently serve, there is Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday of May each year.  Unfortunately, that day doesn't get much notice, except by those currently in the military, and their families and close friends.  I guess Hallmark hasn't grabbed hold of that holiday yet!

In recent years, it seems that we roll all these days together. Now don't misunderstand me.  I have absolutely no problem with honoring and recognizing veterans.  Or with honoring and recognizing those men and women who are currently serving in our nation's military.  Voluntarily, I might add.  I think they should get a lot more recognition and appreciation than they do.  A lot more!

 But Memorial Day was a day set aside to do more than that.  It was a day set aside for remembering. 

Since 1971, Memorial Day has been an official national holiday, one of the "Monday holidays", celebrated on the last Monday of May.  While it is often viewed as the kick-off to the summer season and a time for parties, parades, barbeque and the beach, Memorial Day is, in fact, a time of solemn remembrance.

Memorial Day is, above all, a reminder that freedom isn't free.

Memorial Day is a reminder that a great price has been paid for the freedoms we so often take for granted.  And while all men and women who serve in our country's military, and their families as well, make great sacrifices on our behalf, and we honor and appreciate them for doing so, Memorial Day is a time specifically set aside to remember and to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Who gave their all.  Who didn't come home.

Today as you're enjoying your long weekend, your beach vacation, your picnic, your barbecue, a concert, a parade, a ball game.......take a few minutes to remember and to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy.  And for the men and women who paid so high a price.

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them."    - Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."          (John 15:13 KJV)