Let's Not Overlook the Real Reason for the Holiday Weekend
Once called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a time to pause and show our respect to those who have fought for our freedoms.
Corporal John Shiffert fought in the War of 1812, and is buried in the cemeterry at Zion's Lutheran Church.
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It’s Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start to summer.
But it is also a time to remember our veterans – those who have fought for this country, some giving their lives. Because of their dedication, we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.
My father-in-law passed away last month. He was a World War II veteran, receiving full military honors at his funeral. He was one of those dedicated soldiers, and will be remembered forever.
Cemeteries, which house these soldiers, including those in Upper Milford Township, have fresh, new flags on the graves of their veterans.
But, are you aware of the history associated with Memorial Day?
It began as a ritual of remembrance during the Civil War; and by 1865, decorating soldiers' graves had become widespread in the northern states.
The first known observance of Memorial Day was held May 5, 1866 in Waterloo, New York.
Two years later, May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued a proclamation, in his General Order No. 11. It stated that “Decoration Day” should be observed nationwide to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who died while in military service. It was observed for the first time on May 30 of the same year, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery; that date being chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle.
According to the American Legion, church bells also tolled 13 times on this day – once for each of the 13 original colonies. Some churches continue this practice today, one of them being Zion’s Lutheran Church in Old Zionsville.
“Decoration Day” gradually became known as “Memorial Day” in 1882, becoming more common following World War II. By this time, it became a day to remember all those who have served, and currently serve, in the military, in addition to those who died during service to our country. In 1967, the name was officially changed to Memorial Day.
On June 28, 1968, the United States Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, moving Memorial Day to the last Monday in May, in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. It has now become a day off from work, commonly used for picnicking, shopping or working around the house.
I must admit … sometimes I, too, get caught up with the picnic held at the home of my son and daughter-in-law, forgetting the reason for this important holiday.
In 2002, during their annual Memorial Day address, the Veterans of Foreign Wars stated: “Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed a lot to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.”
To help remind us of the meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December 2000. This resolution asks that at 3 p.m., local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps’."
This is a step in the right direction, but we need to get back to the original date of May 30.
Since 1987, Hawaii's Senator Daniel Inouye, himself a World War II veteran, has repeatedly introduced measures to return Memorial Day to its traditional date. In 1999, Senator Inouye introduced bill S 189 to the Senate, which proposes to restore the day of observance of Memorial Day to May 30th. He re-introduced it in 2003, 2005 and again in 2007. Each time, the bill is read twice and then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, where no further action is taken.
To date, there have been no further developments on the bill. Please write your Representative and your Senators, urging them to support this.
This year, Memorial Day coincidentally will be held on May 30, 2011. Remember what was sacrificed for your freedom.
Walter POWE
11:11 am on Sunday, May 29, 2011
I am son of a World War II Verteran and I remember and visit his grave all the time and put up new flags when need they all need to shown respect everyday
Joe
11:29 am on Sunday, May 29, 2011
Regardless of political beliefs, our veterans and soldiers deserve our respect and in some cases the worlds respect. You don't have to support a war but always support those who serve. Memorial day is an important part of that acknowledgment.
Peggy Heminitz
10:45 am on Monday, May 30, 2011
Well said. I agree.
r
11:30 am on Sunday, May 29, 2011
The point is remember our veterans! Those that serve and have served. Especially those that gave their lives so you can complain about not being free.
Peggy Heminitz
10:45 am on Monday, May 30, 2011
I agree completely.
r
11:50 am on Sunday, May 29, 2011
If some people weren't anti American, I would not preach!
Den
11:54 am on Sunday, May 29, 2011
This day is a memorial day not only for America but also for the world. Believe it or not history has the true reference of manhood to live on this planet only from Americans who use to live once up on a time. And very small number of ginus minded persons who think who think outside of the box even in todays America.
Darlene
9:22 am on Monday, May 30, 2011
After working at a local cemetery cutting the grass I gained a greater respect for our veterans. I made sure that their graves always had fresh flags. A history buff with thies to the Civil War and war corespondent Ernie Pyle, remembering seems like such a small effort for the sacrifice that they made. Remeber also their families and their sacrifice. I salute all of our service men and women and their families today and everyday. I pray for them that they return safely to their families. Memorial day is just not for mondays.
Don
10:02 pm on Monday, May 30, 2011
I participated in a Memorial Day celebration this weekend in Peterborough, NH. It was probably one of the most moving ones I've ever experienced. After a very nice parade, a ceremony began with a couple selections by a Civil War brass band, followed by some amazing speeches, singing by a local kids choir, and acknowledgment of many of veterans in the crowd. By the end of the ceremony I was almost in tears. Just about everyone in the town had come out to the parade and ceremony. Each of the speeches given had clear messages that were extremely empowering. One of the most moving parts, however, was a reading of every single soldier from Peterborough who had given their life during the Civil War. The name was given, then his age at the time of death, then the place, date, and cause of death, and then a bell toll for each name. I'm 23. After hearing so many people called that were my age and younger, I began to realize, hey, that could have been me, and hey, there are kids (including friends) my age and younger that are on the battlefield NOW...it just really got me thinking. These kids fought, served. and many died so that old, bickering, unhappy people can complain about not being free. In World War II and every war prior, the homefront made every effort possible to support our soldiers overseas. What has happened to America?
Peggy Heminitz
8:57 am on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
I think sometimes we take too many things for granted, including our freedom.
Sharon Heminitz
8:25 am on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wow what a great article! I think our children should be learning this in school. If they do not have a relative that has served in the past or are currently they do not fully appreciate what it means for the holidays unless us as parents talk to them about it. That only teaches your own child about appreciating what the service men and women have done for our country to keep up free and how many have lost their lives doing it. I think they would appreciate their world a whole lot differently. We need to sit back as a country and show the next generation what it is all about.
Peggy Heminitz
8:58 am on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
You are absolutely right. I agree 100%.
WRVinovskis
8:23 am on Saturday, June 4, 2011
Just to clarify the purpose and meaning of Memorial Day, here is a paragraph from the Veterans Administration website:
"Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALLthose who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty."
Peggy Heminitz
8:41 am on Saturday, June 4, 2011
You are absolutely correct. However, what I meant to say, and should have clarified, is that people now honor ALL the military, when, in fact, we should ONLY honor those who died on Memorial Day, and honor the LIVING on Veteran's Day. That is why Senator Daniel Inouye is trying to get the day back to May 30 and to what it should be.