How Memorial Day Came to Be
Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone, and a prayer to our fallen military since the start of the Republic.
Just a quick history post for those International Ricochet members who may be interested in how the American holiday came to be.
Memorial Day was originally called "Decoration Day" and was enacted in 1868 to honor fallen Union servicemen by having flowers placed about their graves.
Here is the Order issued by the Army creating the observance:
I. The 30th day 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 or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and Marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hinds slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation's gratitude—the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander in Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.
Decoration Day was later changed to Memorial Day, likely in an effort to bring the South into the holiday. It became a federal holiday by Statute in 1967.
The reason Veterans sell poppies on Memorial Day is a nod to the poem "In Flanders Field," which is about poppies growing in a cemetery were soldiers are buried:
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.
Whether you are in America or in one of the many countries freed by American soliders, have a solemn moment in honor of our fallen, then honor them further by enjoying the freedom to have a great time with your loved ones. Our fallen gave that gift to us.
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Comments:
May '10
Re: How Memorial Day Came to Be
Thanks Tommy, lest we forget. Saw a picture the other day of a parade and all the people were sitting on the curb as the flag passed by, except one guy in a wheel chair that levered himself up to a standing positionr using his arms. He was the only one involved in honoring our flag and what it stands for.
Jun '10
Re: How Memorial Day Came to Be
Mansions of the Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZkE6ksNEEo
May '10
Re: How Memorial Day Came to Be
I forget who linked to this on Ricochet many months ago, but "Angel Flight" is another good memorial song.
Feb '11
Re: How Memorial Day Came to Be
I've never seen poppies for Memorial Day. I always associate poppies with Remembrance Day, November 11th in the UK.
Having grown up in a "split" family -- one with both Union (maternal grandmother) and Confederate (maternal grandfather) veterans, my mother's side of the family always had family reunions on last Sunday in May for the Union veterans side of the family and first Sunday in June for the Confederate veterans side of the family.
Mar '11
Re: How Memorial Day Came to Be
Growing up, I also associated poppies with Armistice/Veterans Day because of the poppy's poetic link to the First World War.
Re: How Memorial Day Came to Be
Tommy, thank you for the beautifully written, moving and altogether fitting tribute to those who have bequeathed us our freedom and our united Republic.
Jul '10
Re: How Memorial Day Came to Be
Amen.
Jun '10
Re: How Memorial Day Came to Be
Lest we forget.
May '10
Re: How Memorial Day Came to Be
Thanks Tommy for explaining to this Aussie boy, the history behind the Memorial Day holiday.
I give thanks for those American soldiers who have and continue to bravely defended freedom across the world. In particular, I am grateful for United States courage and support during WW2 in the defence of Australia from the cruel depredations of the Japanese Imperial Army. As we say in Australia on our national day of remembrance (Anzac Day 25th April), - Lest We Forget.