Memorial Day, What Was, What Is, What Could Be.

Memorial Day or Decoration day is a Federal Holiday in the USA where one honors and remembers the lives and sacrifices of the Fallen of our various wars. But where did it begin?

After the Civil War there was a call for a National Day of remembrance for the many who lost their lives in the bloody conflict on both sides, May 30th was initially chosen because flowers were in full bloom and it was not the anniversary of a particular battle. Once known as Decoration Day due to the custom of decorating the graves of slain soldiers. Eventually conforming to Industrial/Federal schedules it was moved to the last Monday of May where it remains to this day despite contention. After world war 1 the day began to honor all American soldiers slain in war. For those who have personally lost loved ones Memorial Day remains a Solemn occasion, while for others it has become the first day of summer a time for Barbeques, Picnics, Camping and Travel. A Day of the Dead in general. Yet this is not the whole story...

Memorial Day stems from customs of graveyard picnics beside flowers and folk art adorned headstones freshly cleaned by loving hands where tales are told of the beloved dead amidst both mourning and celebration.

A Vernal All Souls Day once known by many names became Memorial Day, yet in place of Witches and May Trees stand Soldiers and Flagpoles.

Some decry the Summer Joys as a lack of solemnity of a day to honor fallen heroes. But in truth this is a day to celebrate hope paid for in the blood of our Forefathers. Represented in the poppy, each bloom a drop of heroes blood from a thousand thousand battlefields.

So remember the fallen, but do not forget the living. Each child taught of the price paid in blood will carry the flame of our people within their hands.

Remember there is no shame in enjoying this holy day.