The scene is repeated over and over at National Cemeteries all across the country. Soldiers move from grave to grave, pausing to place an American flag at the final resting place of these men and women we honor today. This holiday, Memorial Day is the day for remembering the men and women who died while serving. It is not about the barbeques or the sidewalk sales or the trips to the beach or the baseball games, as nice as any of those things are. It isn't even a day for honoring all veterans. (We have a separate holiday for that in November). There seems to always be a bit of confusion, and I have written here about this a number of times. Today is quite specific though. It is for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.
Memorial Day wasn't the original name. It was called Decoration Day back when Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem by that name back in 1882. It was also once called Remembrance Day in some places.
Band concerts and parades a typical ways to celebrate. Religious services praying for those who died in service generally happen on this day as well, and of course visits to cemetaries. Even if you include a baseball game, a picnic, or a visit to the beach, take some time today to also remember all those who served in our military and who didn't make it home alive. It is their memory we honor today.
No comments:
Post a Comment