Memorial Day is a special holiday, and our country will observe it this Monday, May 30.
The day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds suffered in battle.
Memorial Day, as “Decoration Day” gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I, the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the observance evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac describes Memorial Day in one of my favorite ways: The purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today.
Traditionally, on Memorial Day, we visit cemeteries and memorials, and flags often are placed on gravesites of those who no longer are with us.
In many communities, special observances or parades take place, and here in Boerne we will have two such ceremonies. At 9:30 a.m. on Monday, our local American Legion Post 313 will remember those who have fallen at 9:30 a.m. at Veterans Plaza. At 11 a.m., our Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 688 will pay tribute at the Boerne Cemetery. Both are open to the public.
And, a special moment of silence is to be observed at 3 p.m.
Laura Koerner, a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the Fair Oaks Ranch City Council, serves as chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Commission. A good friend of mine, she was the “cover story” for our 2021 Veterans publication in which we saluted veterans from across Kendall County.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not confusing Memorial Day with Veterans Day. But Koerner sent a message to Texans regarding this sacred “holiday.”
“As we enjoy the blessings of family and friends this Memorial Day, let us all take a moment to recollect the reason for this day. Today, we honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives, so that we may enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear. Their courage and sacrifice will always be remembered and honored across this great state, this great nation and most importantly, in our hearts.
“Memorial Day is our chance as Americans to remember our servicemembers lost, and I am asking that you take part in a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. During this minute, we’re reminded of those whose names we may not know but acknowledge that they are the sons and daughters of this country.
“While it’s impossible for words to fully capture the sacrifices so many have made to keep us free, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We thank their family, friends, and fellow veterans for their service and sacrifice to our great country.”
Thanks, Laura. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
As Laura did, I invite all of you to take that moment on Monday afternoon to pause and reflect on this great country and remember why we continue to have the freedoms we enjoy.
Our servicemen and women, past and present, are the true heroes, and on Monday we do, indeed, memorialize them.
Going back to a little history, the custom of honoring ancestors by decorating graves actually is an ancient and worldwide tradition. The holiday started as Decoration Day, but was changed nationwide to Memorial Day in 1971 by an act of Congress. It was then the holiday found its home on the last Monday of May every year.
The history of Memorial Day actually is somewhat complex. The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs recognizes that about 25 places claim to have originated the holiday as the practice of decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers is an ancient custom, dating back to before the Civil War.
Records show that by 1865, Mississippi, Virginia and South Carolina – all in the South – had precedents for Memorial Day. By the 20th century, various Union memorial traditions, celebrated on different days, merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the U.S. military service.
The name “Memorial Day,” which first was attested in 1882, gradually became more common than “Decoration Day” after World War II, but was not declared the official name by federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend.
The change moved Memorial Day from its May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971. After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states adopted Congress’s change of date within a few years.
So, again, let’s take some time on Monday and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms. And while you’re at it, thank a veteran for his or her service.
All politics aside, they all are the reason we still can claim to be the greatest country in the world – and the land of the free and the home of the brave.
As always, thanks for reading.
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