Memorial Day has never been a day that I've really celebrated much. To me it has always been a good excuse to have a three-day weekend. This year that changed, and not because my Grammie and Grampie have recently passed away. A few days before Memorial Day, I was talking to a friend and he mentioned how he had all these cemeteries to go to and flowers to buy so he could visit all his dead. Then I got thinking. Are we supposed to honor all the dead on Memorial Day? Or do we only honor the military? What is the meaning and history of Memorial Day? What I learned from a quick google search surprised me. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. This is different than Veteran's Day in that we honor ALL who have served honorably on Veteran's Day.
"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. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps.'"*
Last year for Memorial Day, Will and I walked through the cemetery and enjoyed seeing all the flowers. This year though, we decided to go to the program that Orem City put on for Memorial Day. It was a simple service, but was very meaningful and appropriate for the holiday. The American flag was raised followed by the reciting of the pledge. Then all the flags of the military divisions were raised. After a musical number by a quartet, the military personnel fired a 21-gun salute and Taps was played. I could hardly get through saying the pledge without getting emotional. Few things get me choked up to the point where I can't talk, but for some reason reciting the pledge always does. I wish we had a flag that we could fly as well, but I'll just have to wait until I have a place to put a flag before I get one. Proper flag etiquette for Memorial Day is to fly the flag at half staff until noon, then fully raise it for the remainder of the day.
We loved the Memorial Day service and have it on the schedule for next year as well. Remembering all our ancestors is great throughout the entire year; however, on Memorial Day, hopefully we can honor those who have died serving our country and remember them for their service.
*information came from www.usmemorialday.org
I love the cemetary where my dad is, not only is it gorgeous on Memorial Day and my dad and grandpa are there so we can "visit" their graves but the cemetray puts on an awesome program with bagpipes, a moment of silence, and a little talk to thank those who have served (and died for) our country. It's amazing...though most things with bagpipes are :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Memorial Day services that I get to be a part of (most of our cemeteries have services). I get teary-eyed, too, so you're not alone.
ReplyDeleteThis year I got to go to the service at Golden Gate National Cemetery. It was an especially beautiful service (with a TON of people in attendance) with a brass band, taps, gun salute, flag presentations, speeches, the pledge, National Anthem (as well as other patriotic songs), and speakers both from military service members and military families. If I recall, you guys don't have a national cemetery nearby, but if you ever get a chance to attend a service at one, I recommend it.
Bri! We are planning a Chamber 05-06 reunion. Kyle setup a facebook group and you are a member - get on and check it out. I'm thinking we will end up getting together in the afternoon on Saturday July 2nd. I really hope you are around and can come - it would be so fun to see you again and to meet your hubby and Emerson!!
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