It's upon us again – Memorial Day Weekend and the gateway
to summer. Most of us greet this three-day-weekend by dusting off the camping
gear, pulling out the grill, and hopping into our boats to set out for fun in
the sun - creating new summertime memories in the process.
And speaking of memories, let us not forget the real
purpose of Memorial Day that makes this three-day-weekend possible. This coming
Monday, I hope we all remember to create a time and a moment in our
happy-go-lucky weekend activities to reflect and honor those who have lost
their lives in service to our country. In fact, if you have children present
with you, it may be a great time to begin a conversation about the purpose of
Memorial Day, so they never forget the real reason for the day.
There are a few subjects you can discuss with not only
the children in your lives, but with the adults in your circle of friends and
family. One option is to look back at the history of Memorial Day and how it
came to be.
In my research, I found some interesting information from
the history.com website. It may make for interesting discussion around the
picnic table or camp fire and provide that moment of honor and remembrance.
Did you know that one of the first
known public tributes to those who died serving their country occurred in 431
B.C.? It is stated that the Athenian General, Pericles, delivered a funeral
address praising those killed in the Peloponnesian War. It is also stated that
his speech on that day has been compared to the influential manner of Abraham
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Did you know
that women’s groups and the freed slaves of the south are the ones who sparked
the idea of “Decoration Day” – a day set aside annually to honor those who
lives were taken during the Civil War? Technically, the praise is given to General John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of
the Union veterans’ group known as the Grand Army of the Republic. However, as
the history website stated, “In April 1886, the Ladies Memorial Association of
Columbus, Georgia resolved to commemorate the fallen once a year—a decision
that seems to have influenced John Logan to follow suit, according to his own
wife.” The first Decoration Day, of which Memorial Day came into being, was
established on May 30, 1868.
It wasn’t until the Act of 1968
finally went into effect, moving Memorial Day from its traditional observance
on May 30, to be observed on the last Monday of the month. This move, even fifty
years later, has created great unease for many. Veterans groups are concerned,
and rightfully so, that Americans associate the holiday with the first long
weekend of the summer and not its intended purpose to honor the nation’s war
dead. It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day became an official federal holiday
to honor all veterans who gave their lives.
I
have said it before and I will say it again. I prefer peace and civility over
war. I think it is safe to say that we all do. But many sacred texts admit that
there is a time for peace and a time for war. Even Lao Tzu, the author of the
“Tao Te Ching” who was completely against war and violence, admits in his 31st
verse of the “Tao” that one should use arms “only as a last resort”; thereby
admitting that sometimes we must protect ourselves, our love ones and our
nation from harm.
So,
whether you are for war or for peace – the fact is that we all know someone who
has given their life for our freedom to choose the life we have now. As a
result, no matter what fun weekend adventure you find yourself participating,
please take a moment and remember those who gave their lives – both those you
have known as well as for those you’ve never met.
This
insight is dedicated to the memory of my Father, Lester F. Noll, who served in
World War II in England. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment