Memorial Day - Don't Forget Its Meaning

This morning, Alec's high school band was asked to participate in two Memorial Day ceremonies. One each, at two of the local cemeteries.

The same honorable war veterans performed each ceremony at both cemeteries. What was spoken really rang true to my heart.

The man leading the ceremony gave a brief history of Memorial Day (Historically known as Decoration Day, May 30th, until 1967). It was designated after the Civil War to honor the memory of fallen soldiers. After World War I, our government expanded the meaning so as to honor soldiers from all wars and military actions, not just the Civil War.

The soldier described the picture in his mind from years gone by where he had also officiated. Of the ~60 people present today, he described a time in the early '70's as the crowd being 'ten times greater;' a time when there was a lot more awareness and pride in what our armed forces have done to make and keep this Country the greatest in the world.

Today, Memorial Day is no longer a day in which we remember individuals who have given everything to keep our Country safe and strong. It is more commonly known as Memorial Day 'weekend;' an entire weekend to spend shopping all the huge sales, taking the boat for a spin, camping, picnicking, going to sporting events, watching cars go in circles in Indianapolis, etc.

In 1968, Congress created the 'Uniform Holidays Bill,' which moved three federal holidays to a specific Monday, so it would create convenient 3-day holiday weekends. Unfortunately, I believe this is the reason the majority of our society has failed to recognize the true meaning behind this special day.

It became oh-so-very apparent this morning as 11 of the 21 kids in the marching band were getting ready to load the bus. Just a hair over 1/2 of the kids were present. Where were the other ten? I know of 2 who were at the big "Memorial Day Stockyard" sale/flea market with their parents. I'm also aware of one who was just "too tired" to get out of bed to make the bus when it left the school at the dawn-breaking hour of 0900 hours. (This is sarcasm, folks! Never mind that he gets up every day of the week and is in the school weight room at 0600 hours trying to 'bulk up' so he will be bigger and better come next fall's football season!) I'm sure the others were out camping, shopping, or planning a big picnic.

Last year, I was asked to accompany the band as a chaperon. This year when I asked if help was needed, I was told no, because there 'weren't that many kids going.' It just about broke my heart. So, this morning, our family was up and getting dressed so that our hearts and bodies would be present. I sent a text message to the Band Director asking for permission to ride the bus with the students. She quickly and efficiently got this cleared with the bus driver and we were on our way.

The ceremonies were almost identical, giving what was said into the microphone a chance to drive home much deeper. The 11 kids present played as big as they could, considering they were half of the usual numbers. There was a 21-gun salute, which never fails to make me jump. And then there was the playing of Taps. This piece of music makes my eyes water and all my hair stand on end.

Upon completion and dismissal from the ceremony, my youngest daughter, Jennifer and I approached the aging soldiers, reaching for their hand and thanking them for their service. Not only for the service they provided to our Country, but also for the service they provide every Memorial Day.

"For as long as there remains two of us on earth, there will always be a Memorial Day ceremony performed."

---VFW Chaplain, Post 8872, Port Sanilac, Michigan - 26 May 2008