Let us not forget
Memorial (Decoration) Day. . . .
Memorial Day had its birth during the American Civil War. With communities experiencing devastating losses, annual prayer meetings and memorials were scheduled to honor the dead.
One of the first U.S. Government initiatives for a nation wide day of Memorial was a proclamation from the Union Army after the war. GAR General Orders 11 on May 5, 1868 set aside a day for decorating graves on May 30th. The original Decoration Day focused exclusively on Civil War dead. The old Confederacy was not about to take such orders. Most Southern States, under reconstruction, held their separate holidays. (Lousiana and Tennessee chosing June 3rd, Jefferson Davis’ birthday, for example.)
Consensus on the May holiday date was only achieved after the First World War when Memorial Day was expanded to cover all American Wars. Since then the Holiday has been observed in late May by all.
As you go about the business of the holiday, take the time to just remember those that have sacrificed all for our freedom. Over 140 years later, you will help fulfill General Orders 11 from 1868. . .
If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us. GAR General Orders 11 – May 5, 1868
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