The REAL Memorial Day

For many in the United States, Memorial Day has become a day off work, barbecues and family gathers.  This holiday is so much more, and I hope all Americans will take at least a moment to remember and thank those who died so we could enjoy these events.

I read this brief history of Memorial Day at this site:  http://www.memorialdayquotes.com/.

“Memorial Day is a public holiday in the United States of America. It is observed on last Monday of May, which is 27 May in 2013.

Memorial Day was first enacted in memory of the soldiers who fought in the American Civil War but later, Memorial Day was expanded to commemorate the soldiers who fought in all American wars, including the World Wars.

Memorial Day is also called Decoration Day. On Memorial Day people visit the graves and cemeteries to honor the memory of the soldiers who laid their lives to protect their country. The U.S. flag is usually flown at half-staff from dawn to noon. Flags are also placed at the grave sites in national cemeteries. The National Memorial Day Concert is held on the lawns of the United States Capitol. Music is performed to honor the memory of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country.”

I found this collection of quotes about the holiday here:  http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_memorialday.html#zmTfYHgl5lyWzVOP.99 

Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Services make to defend our way of life.  Robin Hayes  

As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation's wars.   John M. McHugh 

137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.   Doc Hastings 

While there are towns and cities still planning Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some think the day is for honoring anyone who has died, not just those fallen in service to our country.   Allen West 

Nowadays, many Americans have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At cemeteries across the country, the graves of the fallen are sadly ignored, and worse, neglected.  Allen West 

On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation! — Thomas William Parsons, Dirge for One Who Fell in Battle

We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them. — Francis Amasa Walker

For love of country they accepted death. — James A. Garfield

And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave. — Joseph Rodman Drake, To the Defenders of New Orleans

The patriot’s blood is the seed of Freedom’s tree. — Thomas Campbell, Stanzas

Thank you all who fought and died so that we could live with the freedom we enjoy today.