Many of us can remember the annual cleaning of the cemetery.
It was always as a volunteer or family outing. It was never considered a chore or a duty, but was done out of respect and in memory of those laid to rest there!
Memorial Day
The custom of honoring ancestors by cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition, but the specific origin of Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was first known, are unclear. In early rural America, this duty was usually performed in late summer and was an occasion for family reunions and picnics.
After the Civil War, America's need for a secular, patriotic ceremony to honor its military dead became prominent, as monuments to fallen soldiers were erected and dedicated, and ceremonies centering on the decoration of soldiers' graves were held in towns and cities throughout the nation.
No less than 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, and for many years, states observed the holiday on different dates. By federal law, however, Memorial Day is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. Since it all started with the Civil War, you might want to brush up on your knowledge of this event by visiting the Library of Congress Civil War collection, which includes more than a thousand photographs.
I hope everyone has a nice day today! Please try and find a way time to spend some quality time with the family. Now, more than ever before, it's extremely important!
Let's have some fresh coffee on the patio this morning! Oh, Thank You to all the military! God Bless!
Thanks for explaining your Memorial Day. The statues are excellent. I find it difficult to comprehend war; there must be a better way to solve problems. So many young lives lost or ruined.
ReplyDeleteAs for the comment by the commercial site above, war is only understandable when you understand the sinful nature of man. the first murder was by Cain, and it's been getting worse ever since.
ReplyDeleteMany American citizens have no idea what it is like to serve their country and take for granted what our military service men and women go through to protect all Americans Freedoms. Many are complacent ignorant fools that say stupid things when they have no clue what it is like to be in the boots of the true American Hero’s that are fighting for them. True Americans will Never Forget your Incredible Valor. I say God Bless our Fallen Hero's and thank you from every fiber of my being.
ReplyDeleteBubba, would you like to come for coffee? I am alone today, which is o.k considering how many military personnel are alone, or at least thousnads of miles from family. I have many memories of military life...most of them good. Bless our sailors, soldiers, airmen, etc. everywhere. May they be safe and know they are loved and honored. It is our duty to try to make sure they know this. It is sad, though, when people in our own country don't even know the meaning or reason behind Memorial Day.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to fire up the grill? I sure miss real Texas bar-b-que!!!
Again, thanks for your service and I love you.
Hey Make Money...
ReplyDeleteThere is certainly nothing pretty or glamorous about war! It vrings nothing but death and destruction to everyone it touches!
Unfortunately it is just part of our nature! Not a good part, for sure.
Thanks for coming by today!
Hey Gorges...
Man has been on a downhill slide since the beginning, it seems!
Until we can start learning from our past, we cannot look forward to a better future!
My friend, I certainly do appreciate you coming by today!
Hey Sis...
I'd certainly come by for coffee if you were a little closer that you are right now!
It's a shame you live so far away, but that's the way things are, I reckon!
You have a great day, and thanks for dropping in this morning!
Time has changed so much since I served,I was watching these 3 children standing there crying at the airport watching their mother being deployed for the 3rd time to Afghanistan.I could not help but wonder why an how did we as Americans let this happen?
ReplyDeleteHey Ted...
ReplyDeleteAs long as our government feels it has to police the world, it will continue to be this way!
The best thing we could do, IMHO, is bring home the troops and reunite the families that are all separated!
Thanks for taking the time to drop in today!
My thoughts are actually on the children who has no voice ,I can see a parent going to war.But its hard for me to understand for the children's sake why we would take their mother be taken away from them.Not a male issue just an Americans issue,we can do better.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day and again Thank You and all who have Served Our Country to give us Freedom.
ReplyDeleteHey JoJo...
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful day, sweetie!
Thanks for coming by today!