Lest We For Get

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day.

There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920).

While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen. Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

I spent six years in the United States Marine Corps I served at the tail end of the Vietnam era. I was not drafted I volunteered and was proud to serve. It was without a doubt one the defining moments in my life. But what I recall about Memorial Day in those times was how divided the nation was and how the returning veterans were not given the respect they so richly deserved for the service.

Those images of citizens disrespecting those the veterans has stayed with me and shaped my attitude toward those who choose to enter the military. I have made it a custom to shake the hand of anyone I see in a military uniform, I have passed this tradition on to my children as well.

The young men and women who have now been engaged in conflict for more than ten years are all volunteers. They stayed in the gap for you and I, many have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our way of life. I know many of us have grown weary of war and the resulting loss of life and the devastating injury to so many young people. But the bible in the book of Galatians say it best:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

But what we must do is not minimize what these young people have done for this country. Whatever the political debate, one thing is definite and unequivocal they are HEROES and are owed are respect and gratitude. God bless and have happy, health and safe Memorial Day.