Memorial Day

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.

On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

"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 of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit . . . "

Since that time, the observance of what we now call Memorial Day has morphed into more of a mark in time establishing the beginning of summer, a day for family barbecues, and yet another long holiday weekend.

Take a few moments this Memorial Day to offer a prayer for those who have made the "ultimate sacrifice" so that we may maintain the freedoms we enjoy every day. We are a country at war. As of May 27, 2005, 1652 American soldiers have been killed in the war in Iraq. Regardless of your feelings about the war, Memorial Day is a time to honor their service and the service of those who have gone before them.

UPDATE: Legacy.com has set up a moving tribute page to honor service members who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also offer links to other memorial sites