Large Scale Central

What is Memorial Day? Lest we forget

General Discussion
#1

Memorial Day is another legacy of the Civil War. In 1868 Gen John Logan (from Illinois? I believe), at the time head of veterans affairs for the Grand Army of the Republic, created Decoration Day as a day in May when the survivors and families of those who died would decorate the graves of those who had fallen during the war. May was chosen as it was likely that flowers would be in bloom throughout the country by then. It was also a day of parades, speeches and reunions of surviving veterans of the Civil War.

After WWI, Decoration Day was expanded to include soldiers who fell in all wars. Most Decoration Day celebrations were local affairs until 1971, when Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday. The tradition has grown to decorate family graves as well as fallen soldiers.

Take time this Memorial Day to say thanks to all who served, and a prayer for those who never made it home.

#2

Amen.
Ralph

#3

In a similar vein, we made a little sidetrip today… Kim and I took the girls to an engine show near Somerset. On the way back we stopped at a little spot… back this hastily paved strip mine road… out in the middle of noplace… a couple miles outside of Shanksville…

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Flight93memorialatsunset.jpg/800px-Flight93memorialatsunset.jpg)

It’s just supposed to be a “temporary” memorial, until they can raise money for a fancy marble thing. But it is nonetheless touching. People have left all kinds of mementos, written messages and left bumper stickers on the guard rails…and several large bronze plaques, from motorcycle clubs of all things.

#4

“In 1868 Gen John Logan (from Illinois? I believe), at the time head of veterans affairs for the Grand Army of the Republic, created Decoration Day”

First celebration took place in Carbondale, Illinois about 2 hours south of here on the Illinois Central mainline.

Carlyle will join together to give thanks and celebrate what so many gave to allow us to have this wonderful freedom we enjoy. It’s a simple service at 10 am, held in our local community cemeteries by the lake. It’s only an hour or so long and the local high school alumni band plays patriotic music and the Boy Scouts raise the flag and then lower it to half staff for the rest of the day. All are welcome.

#5

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the organizer, Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

  • Father Dennis Edward O’Brian, USMC
#6

“Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us re-consecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” —Dwight Eisenhower

http://archive.patriotpost.us/pub/08-22_Brief/topNews.jpgHappy Memorial Day!