Happy Memorial Day

Following the Civil War the practice of leaving flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers was recognized by the Grand Army of the Republic and in 1868 that tradition officially became Decoration Day. May 30th was a day to remember those who died preserving the Union but did not take into account the soldiers in gray who fought just as valiantly for the South. We were Americans all and giving your life in defense of liberty and your country was held in the highest regard. Decoration Day was later changed to Memorial Day in order to include the South and was further solidified into our culture following WWI. The flowers of Decoration Day gave way to the poppy of Memorial Day.

In November of 1863 President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg, PA, where the previous July almost 52,000 Americans were killed or wounded during the largest and bloodiest battle of the Civil War. The battle was a turning point for the Union and significant enough that the Commander in Chief was on hand to dedicate a National Cemetery forever remembering the sacrifice of those buried there. Lincoln’s remarks lasted only 2 and a half minutes and at 256 words it was sealed into the lexicon of American history containing several phrases lasing till today. The most stirring and deeply moving line has to be, “…that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain…”.

Those words ring true today as we gather at monuments, attend parades or quietly reflect on those who have given their lives in the hope that freedom will thrive. We can never fully repay those who have given the last full measure but we must keep their sacrifice sacred and never forget the gift they have given to each and every one of us.

Memorial Day is not simply a day off from work or school or the official start of the shore season; it is a day which we set aside some time to remember those who lost their lives in defense of freedom. Remember Lincoln’s words and take your freedom seriously, a Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman gave the last full measure to protect it for you.