Woman to Woman: Memorial Day...

by Debi Baker

Originally observed on May 30th of each year beginning in 1868, "Decoration Day" was observed to honor originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. Evolving to eventually commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

"Despite the increasing celebration of the holiday as a summer rite of passage, there are some formal rituals still on the books: The American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff. And since 2000, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation, all Americans are encouraged to pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. The federal government has also used the holiday to honor non-veterans—the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day 1922. And, while its origins have little to do with fallen soldiers, the Indianapolis 500 has certainly become a Memorial Day tradition of its own–this year marks the 102nd time the race will be run to coincide with the holiday."1

What saddens me is that so many of us forget the actual meaning of this day. Yes, it has become the unofficial official day to kick off summer. But the reality is that the day is supposed to honor those soldiers and others who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their life in service for their country. As you plan for your Memorial Day celebrations, please, take a few moments to give honor to those who have sacrificed their lives in order that we have the freedom to enjoy this and every other day in America!