What to Remember?

This weekend the United States celebrates Memorial Day. It got me to thinking. I know it about remembering our dead who died in war, but I began to wonder which dead? Looking on the Wikipedia site I find that there really was an evolution to it all.

Formally known as Decoration Day it commemorated the men and women who died while in military service. It was first enacted to honor UNION soldiers of the American Civil War. It was celebrated near the day of reunification, and expanded after World War I.

Following the Civil War communities (mostly in the south) set aside a day to mark the end of the war. The combined celebrations coalesced around Decoration Day, honoring the Union dead and then several including several Confederate memorial Days.

The first observance was on May 5, 1866. In 1868 it would be observed nationwide. Some of the Southern states refused to celebrate Decoration Day. An alternative name of Memorial Day was first established in 1882. It did not become more common until after WWII and actually not officially named by the Federal law until 1967. YES...1967 On June 28, 1968 the United States Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill which moved three holidays to their original dates to specified Mondays, in order to create a "convenient" three day weekend. After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply all 50 states adopted the measure within a few years.

The national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time. The flag is flown half-staff from dawn until noon, local time. Flags are often placed on grave sites.

So there you have the history, so now here is an emotional perspective. War, good or bad happens. We owe so much to so many. To remember we are observing all military all the way back to our own horrid history of war within is profound. Men and woman are called. They are there representing those who could not represent themselves. Regardless of our personal issues on the word and acts of "WAR", here in our own country the foundation of freedom came from these acts. What would be as a country had not someone taken a stand for freedom? But yet, healing happened as well.

In today's time the idea of making "long weekends" somewhat diminished the meaning. Certainly we love to celebrate but do you know what you celebrate on memorial day? It's not the parades, cookouts, concerts and outings. It is LOSS. It is APPRECIATION. It is RECONCILIATION TO WHAT THE WORLD SHOULD BE AND ISN'T.

I am not talking about all the stuff going on now, in fact government does not call these events "War" they are called many things but not wars. There is a reason for that. Be your political bent or personal opinion I find no good reason that Memorial Day should not be sacred, holy in fact. It was the ultimate sacrifice that one can never repay, but one can be thankful.

So, as you pick up that dog and a beer remember that the slaves were set free, the Jewish people were released from the horrors of camps and unjust human cruelty has been thwarted all because brave men and woman had a call to save them, and you.