Revisiting the Meaning of Memorial Day

This weekend, we kick off the unofficial start of Summer with our celebration of Memorial Day. But for those of us in Florida, we pretty much have had Summer since Easter Sunday, when the thermometer hit almost 90*. And it has been 90 or higher most days since then.

 

And this weekend, many of us will be setting up to grill with friends, enjoying a cold brew and maybe even go to the Beach. All summer fun activities.

But before you do, take time, especially on Monday, to remember those ŵho paid the Ultimate Sacrifice so we can have the freedoms and liberties we take for granted as Americans.

Back in May, 2013, when I began writing these commentaries, I wrote one about this Holiday. I would like to share an excerpt from that commentary called The Meaning of Memorial Day, from May 24, 2013:

“However, it seems we have lost some of the meaning of Memorial Day. Sure, we know it is one of our federal holidays, like Labor Day, Columbus Day and Presidents' Day. But do we understand the history and significance of this special day?

Initially, it was created after the American Civil War to honor those soldiers who died, whether Union or Confederate, as they were all Americans. The holiday was called Decoration Day, because it was felt, that friends and families would go to the gravesites of the deceased and adorn the grave with flowers, plants, ribbons or other appropriate decoration. By the early 20th century, the holiday evolved not only to honor Civil War dead, but any member of the Armed Forces who died in battle. 

The name was changed, as well, to Memorial Day and moved to May 31 throughout the country in order to be consistent.

This holiday's purpose should not be confused with Veterans Day, initially called Armistice Day to celebrate the end of WWI, which honors all veterans, living and now deceased. These honorees did not have to die in battle to be so honored, only that they served.

In 1970, Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday in May. This was done so that we would have several three-day weekends to make our workweeks somewhat more efficient for business. Other holidays which fall on Mondays for this purpose are MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day.

The remaining holidays stayed on their calendar date. These are New Year's Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Initially, Veterans Day was moved to the last Monday in October, but veterans' groups complained, so the Congress moved the holiday back to November 11th.

So, while you are in your backyard, the park or other site enjoying your Memorial Day party, take a moment to close your eyes, say a prayer, and thank all the deceased military who gave their lives protecting our freedom, preserving our liberty and allowing us to live in the most democratic country the world has ever seen.”

Please remember the men and women who died on the battlefields and on the seas so we can enjoy all we have in the United States of America, Land of the Free Because of the Brave.