Americans Need a Lesson on Why We Observe Memorial Day
Like most Americans, I enjoyed the extra long weekend. The Memorial Day weekend is what most bubble-headed news anchors dub "the unofficial start of summer."
For most Americans, it does signify in someway that we are indeed close to summer. The kids are getting out of school, the weather outside is turning and the thoughts of pools, ice cream, sunscreen and lemonade fill the heads of families from coast to coast.
Yet, the real reason we all had a much-needed day of rest and relaxation seems to be unknown to most people.
As I checked my morning social media feed, I was astounded at how many Americans were posting messages like this one; the name withheld to protect their identity:
"Today we thank our military for what they do. Make sure you thank a Veteran today."
Come again?
While I, like most red-blooded Americans, appreciate every day what our men and women in uniform due to protect our freedom, Memorial Day isn't about them. That's why we celebrate Veterans Day in November.
As I began my personal journey to correct my well-meaning but American history challenged social buddies, it dawned on me how much we've all forgotten about historically important holidays as well as the reasons we celebrate them.
Just for kicks, let's learn the history of Memorial Day so we can start to school the ignorant American public. According to MemorialDay.org:
"Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery...Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country."
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