We know it today as Memorial Day. Being curious about the history of the day I did an online search... History.com has a nice page on the day which was originally to honor our fallen soldiers from the Civil War.
This photo is taken from the National Archives. You can find many Civil War photos there as well as other great information.Now we call this day Memorial Day. Somehow to me saying "celebrate" doesn't quite fit. And I can't bring myself to say "Happy Memorial Day!" as some do. For me it's remembering those men and women who have served us all, and so many who gave the ultimate gift. So to all of our men and woman who are serving, and to all of the fallen, and their families, -- I say a heart felt "thank you!"
15 comments:
While everyone gets caught up in the 4-day holiday, may we never forget why we observe it!
Lovely Memorial Day post. This is indeed a day for sober remembrance.
Well, Cedar---I can say "Happy"---but not in the context that most people think of as being joyful/jumping-up-and-down happy...
I am happy because we DO have the freedom and life that many people do not have in other parts of the world.
Yes, we are sad for the loss of lives and for our loved ones who died --BUT they wouldn't want us to be sad today. I choose to remember them in a 'good' way---knowing that, without them, we would not be where we are today in the USA. God Bless us ALL.
SO---even in our solumness, I can still say "Happy Memorial Day".
Hugs,
Betsy
I agree. And I love the name Decoration Day. I think in my mind that is what I will call it from this day forward.
I join you in my remembrance and thanks to those who have fought for our country, for those who died, and their families.
Blessings Cedar!
Hi Cedar, my family called it 'Decoration Day' too. We had a 1959 Chevy with a HUGE trunk that filled with flowers to go to decorate the graves. When I'm home, I keep the tradition, but with silk flowers. D
Thanks to both the fallen, and the heroes we have been lucky enough to live amongst. Too easy to think of Memorial Day as the beginning of Summer and forget from whence we came. We used to do my Grandfather's grave on this day too.
Absolutely it is not about 'happy'!
It is more about 'remembering'.
Thanks for reminding Cedar
I like that name... "Decoration Day" never heard of it said that way but it's terrific and quite appropriate. A very lovely post.
Hugs and kisses ♥
my grandmother called it decoration day too!! i used to love to spend hours with her at the cemetery. she would explain who every relative was each and every year. ah the memories!!
I like your grandmother's way better as well, Cedar. Thanks for the good post.
I just love those photos!
I agree that it sounds odd to say happy memorial day - a rememberance and thank you does seem more suitable!
I was just telling my daughter that my Grandma and Grandpa always called it "Decoration Day". I would always go to the cemetery with them to decorate all the graves of family members and those that fought in wars before us....Now..I take my daughter and grandaughter. It is a wonderful day of "remembrance".
Your post was lovely.
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