Memorial Day is for remembering those who died while serving their country in the military. However, it’s also used to honor all departed loved ones who served in the military, even if they did not die while in service. Memorial Day is a holiday of recognition and remembrance. On Memorial Day, all Americans should take time to honor the people who laid down their lives to save ours, protecting America and our freedoms.
The United States began observing Memorial Day in the aftermath of the Civil War. So many Americans had died that is seemed as if everyone knew someone who didn’t come home. Decorating the graves of loved ones who died in the war became a regular occurrence. On May 1st, 1865, an observance similar to Memorial Day took place with more than 10,000 people decorating a cemetery and paying tribute to those who had died.
Earlier this year I visited the grave of a family friend, Gerald. He and his family lived down the street from us when I was a young lad. Over the years Gerald and my father kept in touch and eventually settled near one another. For almost 20 years, my father and Gerald participated in the local color guard at veteran funerals. Years ago Gerald caught pneumonia at one ceremony and never recovered.
I don’t remember the stories they told as we were growing up–I was too busy doing boy things. I asked my Dad for his war stories. I was too late to hear Gerald’s. Or rather, if I heard them, I don’t remember them. It’s said that it only takes three generations for 99% of people to be forgotten. Do you know much of your great-grandparents? Beyond a few stories of daring do, I’ll admit, I know very little of mine. I suppose that is one of the functions of the tribe, they can keep the stories of some members alive longer.
Well Gerald, I never told you, but thank you for your service–both in and out of the military. Our nation is safer because of your actions.
If you can, listen to their stories, and remember them. There will come a day when all that’s left are flowers and memories.
Decoration Day
Sleep, comrades, sleep and rest
On this Field of the Grounded Arms,
Where foes no more molest,
Nor sentry’s shot alarms!
Ye have slept on the ground before,
And started to your feet
At the cannon’s sudden roar,
Or the drum’s redoubling beat.
But in this camp of Death
No sound your slumber breaks;
Here is no fevered breath,
No wound that bleeds and aches.
All is repose and peace,
Untrampled lies the sod;
The shouts of battle cease,
It is the Truce of God!
Rest, comrades, rest and sleep!
The thoughts of men shall be
As sentinels to keep
Your rest from danger free.
Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours.