Columnists

Memorial Day

Issue 20.16

At a recent service for a military veteran I again reflected on the sacrifices made by so many to preserve our American way of life.  I thought how awesome it is that we take the time to perform the honor guard with playing of Taps and the gun salute to honor those who have served.

I would like to take the opportunity with this article to remind us all of the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday.  For many Americans this holiday marks the beginning of summer and is just another holiday.  We get work off and we spend time recreating and spending time with those we care most about.  While I think this is a fitting way to honor those who paid the ultimate price, I would hope that we could take some time to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Here are a few reminders that may help as you contemplate and decide how to celebrate Memorial Day and how to honor the real meaning of the day.

Memorial Day came about after the Civil War as a way to honor the over 600,000 of those who gave their lives.  It was originally called “Decoration Day” as this was a day to decorate the graves of the war dead.  Decorating the graves of those who died in war is an ancient custom that has continued on.  The name was changed to “Memorial Day” only after World War II.

Some may ask the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  Memorial Day is specifically to honor those who have died while in service of The United States of American while Veterans Day is to honor all veterans who have served or are currently serving.   Taking time to remember those who actually gave their lives for our freedoms is a small showing of respect for that ultimate sacrifice, not only to them but to their families.

Generally the flag of the United State is flown at half- staff until noon at which time is flown at full-staff.  The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon, their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all. Other traditional observances included wearing red poppies, visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes, and visiting memorials.

In 2000 Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act which establishes 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day as a time for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”

The observance of the true meaning of Memorial Day has diminished in the United States.  Let each of us resolve to not forget those who have given so much that we may have the freedoms that we have.  Our efforts to observe and remember will encourage and remind others.  We must not forget the tremendous cost that has been paid by those who sacrificed all.

Jimmie Hughes can be contacted at Hughes Mortuary, 435-674-5000.

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