What Does Memorial Day Mean to You?

The three-day weekend that marks the beginning of the summer season is traditionally a time for family outings and celebrations. But beyond that, this day is set aside to honor men and women in the United States military services who lost their lives serving their country.

Originally called Decoration Day, the custom began soon after the Civil War. In 1868 General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, named May 30 for decorating graves of Union soldiers. May 30 was possibly chosen because that was the date of discharge of the last Union volunteers.

In 1968 Congress passed a bill, effective in 1971, changing Memorial Day’s observance to the last Monday in May, although some states still celebrate on the traditional date.  Many people, especially veterans, would like the original date restored. They feel that when Congress created a three-day weekend, it distracted citizens from the spirit and meaning of the intended observance.

This month (May 2010) marks the 65^th anniversary of Allied victory in Europe during World War II. V-E Day was celebrated on May 8, 1945, when a treaty was ratified after Germany’s unconditional surrender. Fifty years later, during the war’s end  anniversary observance, William Detweiler, National Commander of the American Legion at the time, wrote,        

“On this Memorial Day, it’s fitting that we Americans pay special tribute to the men and women who gave their lives while serving in America’s armed forces during that war…”        

 It’s an appeal that 15 years later is especially appropriate, as veterans from that era – those of the Greatest Generation, as Tom Brokaw called them – are rapidly passing away.

I was just three months old when America entered the War. By  the time it was finally over in September 1945, I was a walking, talking toddler, with a little brother, and a soon-to-be born baby sister.  I have to admit, Memorial Day in the past didn’t hold much significance for me. But in the past few years, as I’ve learned more about the holiday and what it really means, I make it a point to participate in the local observance, honoring our military dead – those who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and more recently, in Iraq.

We all need to pay more attention to what Memorial Day really means. Sure, it’s fun to hold a family picnic or barbecue, but please pause a moment to remember why you have the day off from work. Remember all those who gave their lives for their country. And this year, especially, remember not only those who died in WWII, but everyone who gave up the civilian life to put on a uniform.

As Commander Detweiler wrote 15 years ago,  “They are the men and women who saved America and the free world from absolute, certain destruction.”

My late father-in-law, Wilbur J. Routson, Jr., served in the Navy during World War II, and also in Korea.