The True Meaning Of Decoration Day

 

The first official Decoration Day was May 30, 1868. What was it? It was a day to honor soldiers lost from the Civil War that ended just a few short years before.

 

Dozens of cities across the nation laid claim to being the first to decorate soldiers graves. From Charleston, SC to Columbus, MS to Richmond, VA to Boalsburg, PA but in May 1966 President LB Johnson declared Waterloo, NY to be the Birthplace of Memorial Day. The first Decoration Day was May 5, 1866. While other celebrations were earlier, this was the first organized celebration. Businesses were closed, flags were at half-staff and spring was a great time to put fresh cut flowers on the graves.

 

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan officially ordered that May 30, would become Decoration Day; A day to honor all those who died during the Civil War. Later, all wars would be added to this. The end of May was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country at that time of the year. 

 

On May 30, 1868, at Arlington Cemetery, General James Garfield gave the Decoration Day address. Afterward, the 5,000 in attendance proceed to decorate the 20,000 graves at the site. 

 

The name slowly changed to Memorial Day. In 1968 Congress passed an act making Memorial Day the last Monday in May.

 

As you reflect this weekend, I ask you to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. It’s not just a three day weekend. It’s not just the start of summer. It’s not just time off of work. Those things are true, but it’s a time to remember those who fight for our freedom. It’s the 1.3 million servicemen lost since 1776. It’s the 500,000 lost in the Civil War. It’s the 100,000 lost in World War I. It’s the 400,000 lost in World War II. It’s the 50,000 lost in Korea. It’s the 90,000 lost in Vietnam. It’s the 7,000 lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

We owe our gratitude to those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Put some flags on their graves as my son is doing or pause for a moment and reflect on what those have done in the past so that we can appreciate what we have today.

 

God Bless the United States of America.

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By Rick Kagey, an Air Force Veteran. 
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