Memorial Day isn’t the day to thank a soldier for his service, and while you can thank a soldier anytime, it isn’t THE day for it. That’s November 11, Veterans Day.
Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day honors all soldiers who died during service to the nation. It started as a local observance for Confederate soldiers who died in battle. One of the first Decoration Days was held in Columbus, Mississippi, on April 25, 1866, by local women who put flowers on the graves of Confederate soldiers who perished in the battle at Shiloh.
Columbus is about a two-hour drive from my hometown. By 1868, the tradition had spread to a group of Union veterans, and now it’s a National Holiday.
MAY WE NEVER FORGET THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR OUR FREEDOM.
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Comments 7
Thank you, Pat. I wish you all a solemn day of remembrance on this day when we honor those who gave their lives in defense of this country. Pray for our country and the people who are currently serving in the military that peace will prevail.
Exactly! I’ve watched several videos this morning on the battle at Fort McHenry in Baltimore and the writing of The Star Spangled Banner. So powerful. We have so much for which to be grateful.
I heard on the radio this morning that the U.S. is one of just a few countries that continues to search for the remains of soldiers who were reported missing in action in foreign wars. Even when there are no family members left to mourn the fallen, we show our respect to those who paid the ultimate price for the rest of us. We should never forget.
As the daughter of a World War II soldier, the former wife of a twenty-six year soldier, and the mother of a former soldier, I thank you for this. I was blessed because all my soldiers came home. There are many who struggle through this day and I always pray for them.
My husband served in Vietnam and was lucky to come home.
Thank you, Pat! If he hadn’t been so serious, I would have laughed at my pastor yesterday. At the end of the service he reminded us that today is Memorial Day, the day when we remember all the veterans who didn’t make it back home. So, now I’m wondering if you can be a veteran and one who was killed in action. My father served in World War II and returned, but he suffered severely from “shell shock,” or what would be called PTSD today. I’m grateful he came home since he and my mother married the day after he got home, and I was born ten months later.
Thank you to all who gave their all for our freedom.