FREEDOM ISN’T FREE
As the month of May draws to a close, many Americans are gearing up for Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is also recognized as the unofficial start of summer. It is a holiday that many people associate with barbecues, beach trips, summer sales, and a long weekend. While these are all enjoyable activities, Americans should remember the true meaning behind this holiday. This national holiday is meant as a day of remembrance, honoring the brave individuals who have laid down their lives in service to our nation. It is a day to remember true patriotism and the sacrifices made for our Freedom. In this blog, we will explore memorializing your Memorial Day and how to make the day impactful. We will examine Memorial Day’s history, ways to honor the fallen heroes, and suggestions for celebrating this holiday with meaning and reverence.
History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was first observed on May 30, 1868, as a way to commemorate the soldiers who died in the Civil War. Over time, it has evolved to honor all service members killed in war. This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave men and women who protect our Freedom and the American way of life.
African Americans organized one of the earliest commemorations of this day in Charleston, South Carolina, where the Civil War began. On May 1, 1865, soon after General Lee surrendered his Confederate troops, thousands of formerly enslaved African Americans joined the march of the U.S. Army and United States Colored Troops through the city, ending with a proper reinterment of Union Soldiers who had been buried without a ceremony at a local horse track.
While the parade in South Carolina was the first of its kind, women across the South had been decorating the graves of fallen soldiers for years. Towns across the U.S. held observances for their dead after the American Civil War. President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, New York, as the official “Birthplace of Memorial Day” because of its city-wide observance on May 5, 1866. Flags flew at half-staff as citizens and former soldiers held a parade through town, culminating in ceremonies to decorate the graves of soldiers.
The date of Memorial Day holds significance as it marks the start of summer and a time for remembrance. This holiday is always observed on the last Monday in May, allowing for a three-day weekend to commemorate and honor America’s fallen heroes. Memorial Day is meant to be a day to reflect on the sacrifices our brave men and women made while in uniform. The day should be a reminder of the cost of our Freedom and a chance to honor those who have given their lives for our country and their families. Memorializing your Memorial Day will make the day impactful for you and your community.
Honoring the Fallen Heroes
The most apparent reason for celebrating Memorial Day is to honor and remember our brave men and women, these individuals made the ultimate sacrifice in service to America and their fellow citizens. These patriots left their families, friends, and homes to protect our Freedom, knowing they may never return.
Celebrating Memorial Day is a way to show our appreciation and respect for these heroes and the families and friends they left behind. It is an opportunity to recognize their bravery, selfless service, and dedication to protecting the American dream. By remembering them, we keep their memories alive for us and their loved ones and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
On Memorial Day, we honor not only Soldiers but also Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guard members.
Memorial Day is also a celebration of our freedoms. Our military personnel’s sacrifices profoundly impact our country, shaping it into the land of liberty we know today. By celebrating Memorial Day, we honor these sacrifices and express gratitude for their bravery and the freedoms we enjoy.
Celebrating Freedom and Sacrifice
In America today, we often take our Freedom for granted. Many of our fellow citizens do not fully comprehend the sacrifices made for us to live in a free country. Memorial Day is a reminder of the actual cost of Freedom – the lives of those who fight for it. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made and honor those who gave their lives for our liberties and the promise that America represents.
Celebrating Memorial Day also allows us to reflect on the current state of our country and appreciate our rights and freedoms. It serves as a reminder that we must never take these privileges for granted and always strive to protect them.
President Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day, we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States, where men were free.“
It is also a time to show support for those currently serving and those who have served in the past. Many military families have lost loved ones in service, and they need to know that their sacrifices are recognized and appreciated by their fellow Americans.
Letter to Mrs. Bixby
In the autumn of 1864, Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew wrote to President Lincoln, asking him to express condolences to Mrs. Lydia Bixby, a widow believed to have lost five sons during the Civil War. The Boston Evening Transcript printed Lincoln’s letter to her.
Executive Mansion,
Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.
Dear Madam,–
I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully, A. Lincon
Importance of Continuing to Celebrate Memorial Day
It is crucial for younger generations to understand the significance of Memorial Day and why it is celebrated. By participating in events and ceremonies, children can learn about the sacrifices made by our service members and the importance of honoring them. This also allows them to understand the value of Freedom and instills a sense of patriotism at a young age.
Parents can also use this holiday as an opportunity to teach their children about the history of our country, our military, and the importance of honoring those who have served. By passing down this knowledge, we ensure that future generations will continue to honor and remember our fallen heroes.
While Memorial Day is often associated with honoring soldiers who died in battle, it is essential to remember that it also pays tribute to all branches of the military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. This day is a time to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by all who served our country, past and present.
Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day with Meaning
There are many meaningful ways to celebrate Memorial Day. One suggestion is volunteering at a veterans’ organization or donating to a military charity or organization. Another way is writing letters or sending care packages to troops overseas.
Participation adds depth to how we honor this day. These actions not only honor the fallen but also support those who are currently serving our country.
My Memorial Day customs consist of a visit to a military cemetery (to pay my respects), a tribute to the fallen men I served with, and it is the time I change out and properly retire the U.S. flag flying in front of my home.
Memorial Day is also a time to unite as a community and remember our fallen heroes. Many towns and cities across America hold parades, ceremonies, and other events to honor their local men and women who died in service. These events bring people from different backgrounds together to pay their respects and show support for our military and their families.
In addition, Memorial Day often brings families and friends together for gatherings and barbecues. It is a time to connect with loved ones and appreciate the moments we have with them. This sense of community and togetherness is vital in keeping the spirit of Memorial Day alive.
The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave
In conclusion, Memorializing your Memorial Day will make the day impactful and meaningful. Memorial Day is more than just a summer holiday; it is more than just a day off work. It’s a time to pay homage to our fallen heroes and express our appreciation for the sacrifices they’ve made. It is a day to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is a day to celebrate Freedom, show gratitude, and pay tribute to our brave heroes. Let us continue to celebrate this holiday as a time to reflect on the true cost of Freedom and to show our gratitude for those who have served. So, as we celebrate this holiday, let us do so with reverence, appreciation, and a deep sense of patriotism.