Memorial Day, was originally called “Decoration Day”, it is
a day of remembrance for those who have died for our nation while serving in
the military.
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.
Today, most people view Memorial Day as another day off but
perhaps we should all give thanks to those that have given the ultimate
sacrifice so we can have a day off. Paying tribute to the fallen soldiers can
be as simple as taking a personal moment of silence, display your appreciation
to a family of a fallen soldier or help your local cemetery place flags on
gravesites, or maybe just attending a local Memorial Day parade with your family.
It's up to us to keep
the memories alive of the fallen and to pass on the importance of this holiday
to the younger generations. So spend a few moments this weekend with
your children and grandchildren and tell them what Memorial Day is truly all
about…..
THANKS FOR READING …..
Branch
About the author:
Tom Branch, Jr. is a freelance outdoor writer and full time
Lieutenant/Firefighter-Paramedic with over 27+ years of service with the
Gwinnett County Fire Service in Georgia.
He has been working and consulting in the Outdoor Industry for over 17 years
and is currently creating and managing a pro fishing team, developing new
products, promoting products through demonstrations, designing packaging, and
participates in different forums, radio & television shows. Tom and his wife, Kim are supporters and
volunteers with Operation One Voice. They live north of Atlanta near Braselton,
GA with their two labs “Jake” and “Scout".
Follow him on www.facebook.com/tombranchjr
and http://twitter.com/tombranchjr
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