It seems that it all started after the Civil War. Several different cities and states claim to have started the tradition, so no one really knows for sure. But, people would honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War by decorating their graves with flags or flowers. In May of 1868, General John A. Logan, declared Memorial Day an official holiday in which the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery would be decorated. New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday, and all the northern states followed. The confederate states held out, each choosing their own days to honor their fallen soldiers. Then, after World War I, the holiday was expanded to include fallen soldiers of all wars, not just the Civil War, and all the Southern states finally got on board. As of 1971, it is now celebrated in all states on the last Monday of May.
In 1915, Moina Michael (my cousin...see mom, I listen, sometimes!) wrote a poem (in response to "In Flanders Fields") that linked the red poppy to the remembrance of those fallen in battle. She then came up with the idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day. The idea spread all over the world. The United States honored her with her own postage stamp for her role in helping people to remember our fallen soldiers.
Honoring the dead by placing flowers on their graves used to be common, and it was a pretty big deal. Now, I don't know a single person that does this on Memorial Day. Mostly, we have bar b ques, go to the lake, or have a swimming party. Few, myself included, take the time to really consider what the holiday is about. Did you know that to combat this, in 2000, Congress created the "National Moment of Remembrance?" I guess they thought if we couldn't set aside a whole day, maybe we could at least take a moment. The idea is that at 3:00 pm, everyone will take a moment to in some way acknowledge the sacrifices that have been made for us.
I think I'll observe at least that moment with my family today. And, I'll take some time to talk to my kids about the true meaning of the holiday. Maybe next year, I'll plan in advance and do something special to honor our fallen soldiers. At the very least, while you're enjoying time with family and friends today, take the time to think about the families all over the country that are celebrating today without someone that they dearly love. There are mothers getting their kids ready for a Memorial Day celebration all by themselves, because their husbands are gone. There are other mothers, whose children will not come home today for the family cook out. There are children celebrating without fathers and mothers. May we all take a little time today to think about why we can celebrate without the fear of being attacked. We live in relative peace and without fear because of the sacrifices of our military families. Make sure you tell your kids!
Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to all the service members that put their lives on the line for us...and to their sweet families that give up so much for their service.
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