Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.
Please remember that Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died serving our country. So in honor of them, keep these things in mind.
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
A listener sent me this very moving video. I would encourage you to spend a few minutes watching, it really brings it into perspective.
Finally, we offer this poem to all who have served, and our thanks, also, to those who are currently serving.
The men and women who serve,
Whose dedication to our country
Does not falter, halt or swerve.
They’re ready to do what’s right
To keep America safe,
So we can sleep better at night.
Whose hardships are brutal and cruel,
Whose discipline we can’t imagine,
Who follow each order and rule.
And their helpers good and true;
They’re fighting for American values;
They’re fighting for me and you.
