Simple Man Politics

I just dropped in today to say hi and Happy Memorial day to ya’ll, I am not going to get political at all today. I’m just going to give you all a little history on when why, and how Memorial Day started. Then you will all know why Memorial Day is celebrated and it might mean something more to you than just a day off, if you are lucky enough to be a federal employee or in the banking industry.

The federal holiday formerly known as Decoration Day and now known as Memorial Day commemorates those who have died while serving in our nations military services. It was first enacted to honor those Union soldiers who had died during the Civil War. After World War One it was expanded to include all American casualties of any war or military action.

The Memorial Day Order

I. The 30th day 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 or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and Marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation's gratitude—the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander in Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.
—General Orders No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic Headquarters[1].
Although we now celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday in May this was not always the case. Originally Memorial Day was observed on May 30th and the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) as well as the SUVCW (Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War) advocate returning the Memorial Day observance to this fixed date. They feel that changing the date in order to accommodate 3 day weekends contributes a lot to the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.

We as Americans observe and celebrate Memorial Day each in our own way. Whether you visit or decorate the graves of fallen patriots at their cemeteries and memorials, or go to picnics, barbeques, and sports events remember that without these valiant warriors who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us we may not have had the freedom to enjoy these events or have these hero’s to look up to and honor. One other thing you can do is honor those who are still alive that have fought besides them because they are the living witnesses for those who laid down their lives that we celebrate this day.

That is all from me for now but I will see you all again tomorrow where it will be business as usual but until then have an awesome Memorial Day and enjoy the video. Sempre Fi Do or Die OOORHAAAAAAAA!!!!! CIAO4NOW!!!!!