Memorial Day

   Through out my school days it was called ‘Decoration Day’.   The observation was held annually on May 30^th.   Ceremonies were held and the graves of those who died in service to the country were decorated with flowers and our nations flag.

Research says in 1966 Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, NY the ‘birthplace’ of  ‘Memorial Day’ because a ceremony was held in Waterloo on May 5, 1866 honoring local veterans who had fought in the Civil War.   However, other information shows tributes to Civil War dead had been observed in various communities prior to that.  Nevertheless, year after year, in towns and cities throughout America our fallen servicemen and women would be memorialized on May 30^th.

By an act of Congress, in 1971, Memorial Day was made a national holiday.  It was also moved to the last Monday in May.  This past Monday (May 27^th) in towns all across America parades, speeches, patriotic music, floral displays, and more honored our veterans and military personnel currently serving, at home and abroad.  U.S. flags can be found on the graves of those killed and the graves of our veterans who have passed on. 

It never fails though, every May 30^th I find myself mentally observing Memorial Day.   Thinking of their sacrifice, I envision unknown faces vowing to defend America. 

Oath of Enlistment:  “I (name) , do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  So help me God.”

Our liberty has been preserved.   To each who took the oath, “Thank You”.