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Remembering Memorial Day
Nise's Notes
by Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
June 01, 2005
Barbecue. The lake. A day off from work. Things people think of when it comes to Memorial Day.
However, Memorial Day has a true meaning and purpose instead of just being the cause of a three day weekend for many Americans. It is a day to honor the men and women who have died fighting in war.
Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. In the years that followed, many states began recognizing the holiday. Then, in 1971, thanks to the National Holiday act, it is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May.
Over the years, the meaning behind the holiday has been slowly forgotten, or at least ignored. Until 2004, for over 60 years not even Washington DC had a Memorial Day parade.
Memorial Day is not just an excuse for a long weekend to have fun in the sun. Its a day of rememberance.
This past weekend, I went out to where all my grandparents are buried. Though, my grandpa did not die in war, he served in World War II. At the foot of his grave, someone had placed an American Flag. It was good to see — and even better to see that a flag had been placed on every grave of a man or woman who has served their country.
We spent much of Sunday afternoon, walking through the cemetery looking at tombstones, seeking out relatives. I can’t think of a better way to spend Memorial Day — honoring and remembering all of those who went before us.
Today, we still have men and women fighting in wars all over the world. My boyfriend just returned from South Korea where he took part in a USO tour, performing for troops at several camps in the country. He has many stories to tell about the soldiers — most of whom have served in multiple places. Many will be headed soon to other places to fight. None of them know if they will actually make it home alive to see their family again. None of them know that they won’t be ones that will be honored as one who died in war — their memory living on through Memorial Day.
We support our troops, but also must not forget those that didn’t make it back home. That is the true meaning of Memorial Day. It may kick off the summer season, but its more than throwing some steaks on the grill and having a cold one. It’s about honoring those that deserve our respect and admiration, though they did not live to see it and experience it themselves.
Nise's Notes
by Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
June 01, 2005
Barbecue. The lake. A day off from work. Things people think of when it comes to Memorial Day.
However, Memorial Day has a true meaning and purpose instead of just being the cause of a three day weekend for many Americans. It is a day to honor the men and women who have died fighting in war.
Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. In the years that followed, many states began recognizing the holiday. Then, in 1971, thanks to the National Holiday act, it is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May.
Over the years, the meaning behind the holiday has been slowly forgotten, or at least ignored. Until 2004, for over 60 years not even Washington DC had a Memorial Day parade.
Memorial Day is not just an excuse for a long weekend to have fun in the sun. Its a day of rememberance.
This past weekend, I went out to where all my grandparents are buried. Though, my grandpa did not die in war, he served in World War II. At the foot of his grave, someone had placed an American Flag. It was good to see — and even better to see that a flag had been placed on every grave of a man or woman who has served their country.
We spent much of Sunday afternoon, walking through the cemetery looking at tombstones, seeking out relatives. I can’t think of a better way to spend Memorial Day — honoring and remembering all of those who went before us.
Today, we still have men and women fighting in wars all over the world. My boyfriend just returned from South Korea where he took part in a USO tour, performing for troops at several camps in the country. He has many stories to tell about the soldiers — most of whom have served in multiple places. Many will be headed soon to other places to fight. None of them know if they will actually make it home alive to see their family again. None of them know that they won’t be ones that will be honored as one who died in war — their memory living on through Memorial Day.
We support our troops, but also must not forget those that didn’t make it back home. That is the true meaning of Memorial Day. It may kick off the summer season, but its more than throwing some steaks on the grill and having a cold one. It’s about honoring those that deserve our respect and admiration, though they did not live to see it and experience it themselves.
