Memorial Day Weekend is, to many Americans, the official start of summer. Schools across the nation are out for the long summer holiday, the weather starts to warm up, and people are off work for a whole three days. This is a great weekend to get away, have a barbecue, lay outside in the sun, or go fishing. But to most Americans, this weekend is just another holiday or just another day off of work. However, Memorial Day is a longstanding American tradition of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
After the end of the Civil War in 1868, a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives serving their country was declared by General John Logan. Originally called Decoration Day, this holiday was used to honor and remember the brave men who fought to keep the country whole. While it was initially intended for remembering the Civil War, once America got involved in World War I, it was a day to remember all fallen soldiers.
In 1915, red poppies became associated with Memorial Day after the publication of Moina Michael’s poem, “We Shall Keep the Faith”. The red poppies symbolized the “blood of the heroes [that] never dies”. Moina was the first to have the idea of wearing poppies on Memorial Day and began to sell them for money to assist veterans in need. Soon after this began, the Veterans of Foreign Wars sold artificial poppies made by disabled veterans across the nation. The tradition of making and selling poppies has continued throughout the years, especially to those who have lost a loved one who served in the military.
In December of 2000, a National Moment of Remembrance was declared at 3 p.m local time on Memorial Day, where Americans are asked to take a moment to honor and respect those who sacrificed everything in their own way, whether it be silence, playing Taps, or praying for the military. All flags across the nation are ordered to be at half mast from the morning until noon, when they are then raised to full mast. The flag being at half-mast symbolizes the more than one million American men and women who have given their lives for our continual freedom while raising it at noon represents their memories being raised and remembered by the living.
Over the years, the true meaning of Memorial Day has been forgotten and replaced with leisure activities and the excitement of a three day weekend. Fallen soldiers go unnoticed and unappreciated as Americans celebrate the beginning of summer, rather than the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who chose to put their country before their own lives. This year, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who are no longer with us. While having a fun weekend with family and friends is great, let us not forget the reason we continue to celebrate this holiday every year.
