This Monday, America will remember the men and women who have died in our nation’s service. At Fort Atkinson’s Evergreen Cemetery, the words of Gen. John A. Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, will be read, proclaiming the first Memorial Day in 1868.
“We should guard their graves with sacred vigilence …”
That May 30th, flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It wouldn’t be until 1873, though, that the first state, New York, would recognize the holiday officially.
Seventeen years later, Memorial Day was being observed by all of the northern states, but the South refused to do so, instead honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I, when the what then was called “Armistace Day” became a remembrance for all war dead and not just those from the Civil War.
An interesting history lesson, to be sure. It teaches us that what is important is not who was the first to observe Memorial Day, but that Memorial Day was established in the first place. It is a lesson about reconciliation, not division, a coming together to honor those who gave their lives for freedom.
This Monday, please take time away from the barbecues and boat rides to remember the brave men and women who, from the American Revolution and Civil War to the fight against terrorism around the globe, shed their blood for their — our — country. May the lives we all live today be worthy of their great sacrifice yesterday … and tomorrow.
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