"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868
Today is Memorial Day. New flags are flying on Pearl Street thanks to Sherri Forch's efforts. It's a day to honor our fallen servicemen who have given the ultimate sacrifice for America's freedom. There are no records of anyone from Ruston killed in the current war, but 95 young men and women from Washington state have died.
This holiday began after the Civil War in Waterloo, New York - although graves of fallen soldiers where decorated in the south beginning about the same time. The first Decoration Day was declared by General John Logan on May 30, 1868 as flowers were placed on the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers in Arlington cemetery. The holiday evolved to the celebration we have today.
David Merchant suggests these ways to observe Memorial Day:
- by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes
- by visiting memorials
- by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon
- by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act)
- by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played
- by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans
Today is much more than a welcome 3-day weekend and the official beginning of summer. We pause to remember those who have died to make us free and thank their families for giving so much to our county. We are a better nation for your sacrifice and gratefully hold you in our prayers this Memorial Day.
Karen
1 comment:
Great thoughts and beautifully written. Thank you for reminding us what this holiday is all about. Along with the many Washingtion residents who have made the ultimate sacrifice, there are many from other places who were stationed here when they were deployed and gave their lives. I guess in the big picture, what are borders anyway.
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