My family always referred to Memorial Day as Decoration Day. Apparently Decoration Day goes all the way back to 1868. After the Civil War, Decatur, Illinois decided to mark all the graves in their cemetery as a tribute to all those who had lost their lives. It was done on May 30. The reference to “decoration” stuck until after World War II when our politicians decided to create a broader Memorial Day (always on Monday) and hence a 3 day weekend.
I was born slightly before World War II began. My early years saw my Dad and his brother go off to war. My early recollections of war begin at age 5 about the time World War II was ending. We had sunk the Japanese Navy, dropped the first Atom bomb in history and Hitler blew his brains out in a bunker. All was well.
After my Dad came back from the Phillipines, each Memorial Day was special. The collective relief that came with the War being over was joyous. Memorial Day was always celebrated in late spring. The smell of Lilacs, warm weather and a morning parade all commemorated the lives lost in battle. The local cemetery would be the termination point of the parade followed by boring, boring, boring speeches. After the speeches there would be a 21 gun salute. As kids we would collect as many spent bullet shells as possible. The rest of the day was brats and beverages.
It has been 65-70 years since my early memories of “Decoration Day”. Many generations have passed since the end of World War II. It just seems like each year we become less aware of the serious nature of War and those who have given their lives for us. We all need to pause and give thanks.
Enjoy the 3 day weekend. Unofficially, Summer begins.
Love,
Dad