What is Memorial Day really about?

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day as we celebrate it today was formally established by General Order Number 11 of the Grand Army of the Republic in May of 1868, issued by General John A. Logan. There are several stories about where he got the inspiration to create what became a national holiday.

At the time, the Civil War was only recently ended. Women, often windows or wives of veterans had taken up the custom of decorating the graves of their husbands and their comrades in arms with flowers and small flags.

I think this may have simply been an extension of the custom of many countries and families to maintain and decorate the graves of their ancestors, often done in the summer. The whole family would attend and it was often something of a celebration and picnic, as well as occassion to trim the grass, plant flowers, and clean the gravestones.

Particularily touching was an event that was noted in a local newspaper, where on April 25, 1866 four women in Columbus, Miss. took it upon themselves to decorate the graves of the war dead in the Friendship Cemetary. They chose to decorate the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers.

The poet Francis Mile Finch read of this and was inspired to write the poem "The Blue and the Gray", which undoubtedly did much to popularize the ceremony as it was nationally published. You can read it here

Another story I found particularily touching was of freed slaves who took it upon themselves to decorate the graves in a cemetary of Union soldiers, the men who had fought to free them.

Over time, Memorial Day has been celebrated to honor all of the men and women who have died in service to their country.

No, it isn't just about a three day weekend to go party at the lake.

During this time of war, it should be especially meaningful for us. Go ahead and party at the lake, but perhaps you and your friends and family can spare a moment of silence to contemplate and silently send your gratitude to the men and women who have died fighting for our country.

I do not agree with this Gulf War or the reasons we are there, but I do not disparage the courage of those who have served and died, however misguided I feel their leaders may be.

I was fortunate to find the full text of the General Order in "The Folklore of American Holidays", 2nd Ed Henning Cohen and Tristram Potter Coffin Editors. I personally found it so moving and beautiful, that I want to share it with you here.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day holiday.

I. The 30th of May, 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way, arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstaces may permit.We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feeling which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion". What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, our shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime, let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved, let us in the solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and to assist those whom they have left among us, a sacred charge upon the Nation's gratitude--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan. (Ed-emphasis mine, for I feel we may have forgotten this sacred charge)

II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department Commanders will use very effort to make this Order effective.

By Command of N.P.Chipman, Adjustant-General and John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief

(Quoted from Program 1989 published by the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Corporation, a constorium of veterans organizations formed in 1928 "to hold fitting memorial services on Decoration Day" The General Order was dated Washington, D. C. May 5, 1868.)

Summer Fey Foovay

Originally written and posted on my Ask Me Anything blog