May 25, 2015 (Monday)
The Civil War is still the costliest in terms of military deaths in the history of our nation. It was that war that brought about the establishment of Memorial Day as an annual observance in our nation.
The city of Waterloo, New York first observed a day to remember fallen soldiers on May 5, 1866. They made it an annual observance, closing schools and stores and bringing flowers to the graves. The day became known nationally as Decoration Day, but slowly took the name, Memorial Day, and was observed on May 30. The date was changed by law in 1971 to the fourth Monday of May. While at first only Civil War soldiers were honored, today all those who have died in the service of their country are remembered.
Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. Perhaps you did not know that. I did not, until I read it recently.
It seems to me that a public desire to honor all veterans is slowly being merged with the central ideas of Memorial Day. A few years ago, I read an obituary of a veteran that confirmed this thought. Here is a portion of it:
“Always and everywhere we live with personal remembrances of devoted loved ones and, under God, render Thanks and Praise to Him for the promise of everlasting life.
This truth is perceived by us on a day to day basis as we note the sacrificial acts and personal commitment of our Veterans.
Their upholding of such essential values as liberty and justice, individual dignity and national righteousness, ennobles the life of each of us.
Through their example we move toward eternity with faith, charity, courage and hope.
The time of life between birth and immortality is one of no certain length. In considering this, as we bid farewell to this honored, respected Veteran, may we be ever more thoughtful, grateful and humble before our Creator as we all await our heavenly reunion.”
If you know the author of the reading above, please let me know. I found this reading in several obituaries, but “author unknown” was the only credit.