In the spring of 1868, the United States was a nation awash in loss and grief only a few years removed from the horrors of the Civil War. Veterans of the Union Army set aside the day of 30 May as a designated day “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.” (General John A. Logan).
Originally known as Decoration Day, New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday to honor fallen soldiers and sailors. By the 1890s, most states had adopted May 30 as a Decoration Day holiday. Following World War I, the practice of decorating the graves with flowers, flags, and garlands became even more widespread as an occasion to honor fallen service members from all of America’s wars. Soon after, the day became more widely known as “Memorial Day”.
“Home of the free because of the brave.” That phrase is heard often in America. But somewhere along the way, many people have forgotten that it’s not just a slogan. It’s a hard truth that must be faced. Memorial Day is supposed to make us uncomfortable for a moment. It’s not about picnics in the park, it is about loss. The day should remind us that our freedom comes at a cost.
Freedom is not free, it never has been. It must be guarded and protected. Real people, not abstract ideas, not talking points. People. Over 1.3 million American servicemen and women have given their lives for this country since the Revolutionary War. “Thank you” will never be enough.
But on this sacred day, we specifically pay tribute to those veterans who never made it home. No rational person ever wants war. And certainly, no one ever wants to see our soldiers injured or killed in the service of our country. Every single one of them left a family behind, people who have missed them every day. But when that sacrifice is made, it is our duty to show our gratitude and respect.
As President Reagan stated during his 1986 address at Arlington National Cemetery: “Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others.”