Reflection for Memorial Day
This coming Monday is Memorial Day. Not that you probably needed any reminder. It traditionally marks the beginning of summer and is frequently celebrated with parties and barbecues. But its original and real meaning is much more important and sobering. Memorial Day, or “Decoration Day” as it was originally called, came into being shortly after the Civil War. More American lives were lost in that conflict than any other and veteran’s cemeteries were established in every state to remember and mourn the nation’s great loss. By the late 1860’s, towns and cities had begun annual springtime festivities to remember their fallen. In 1868, May 30 th was nationally designated as “Decoration Day” to honor the veterans. In the twentieth century, Decoration Day eventually became known as “Memorial Day” and was extended to honor all veterans who had given their lives in conflict. In 1971, Memorial Day was permanently fixed as the last Monday in May so that government em